





LIBRARY OF CONGRESS. 



Chap. Copyright No... 

Shell_B_)L6. ! 



UNITED STATES' 



OF AMERICA. 



HISTORY 



FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH 



OF NORRISTOWN, PA. 



Organization, 1832, to the Present Time, 1897 



ALONZO ALVIN DELARME 



3 



**$* 



Copyrighted, 1897, 
By Alonzo A. DeLarme. 



LEHMAN & BOLTON 
PHILADELPHIA 



s. 



TO 

THE MEMBERS AND FRIENDS 

OF THE 

FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH, 

WHOSE MANY KINDNESSES AND UNFAILING COURTESIES 

HAVE MADE THE YEARS OF A BUSY PASTORATE 

AMONG THE HAPPIEST OF MY LIFE, 

THIS BOOK IS DEDICATED 

IN LOVING AND GRATEFUL REMEMBRANCE. 



PREFACE. 

The First Baptist Church of Norristown lias had a remarkable and 
noteworthy history. It has long seemed to many that the events connected 
with the founding and building up of a church which has been such a 
potent factor in the propagation of Christianity in the community should be 
recorded in a permanent form. 

Sketches have been written at different times, but this is the first 
attempt at a comprehensive narrative. 

In the year 1892, Mr. M. H. McVaugh, Mr. I. N. Harrar, and Mr. 
George Wright were appointed a committee to revise previously written 
accounts, and complete the work up to date. 

In 1893, Mr. Theo. Knabb was added to the committee. This 
committee held a number of meetings and something was done in the way 
of gathering statistics and historical facts. 

In January, 1897, on motion of Dr. J. K. Weaver, who had taken 
great interest in the matter, the church appointed the writer to undertake 
the work and complete it as speedily as could be done in connection with 
his pastoral duties. The following pages are the result of the effort to 
carry out this design. 

It would be impossible to acknowledge all the sources that have been 
drawn upon in the preparation of this volume. The church records, of 
course, have been the chief source of information. The Minutes of the 
Central Union Association and the files of the Norristown Herald have 
also been of great service. Interesting incidents in " The History of 
Montgomery County," by Theodore W. Bean, have been suggestive. Many 
important facts in connection with the lives of several pastors have been 
found in Dr. William Cathcart's " Baptist Encyclopedia," M. Auge's 
"Men of Montgomery County," and " The Life of Rev. Samuel Aaron," 
by L. C. Aaron. N. B. Randall, D. D., is entitled to much credit for 
letters from former pastors, and other information gathered by him in 1892 
and published in The Norristown Baptist. 



The author has received valuable suggestions and interesting incidents 
from persons who have had a personal knowledge of the history of the 
church, some of them from its beginning. Grateful acknowledgments are 
made to all these. 

While the writer has tried to avail himself of every suggestion or 
criticism that might make the work the more accurate and complete, it is 
but fair to say that he has not slavishly followed any of these, but has 
allowed himself freedom in the collation, arrangement and presentation 
of all facts and data. 

Although this work has been an arduous one in some respects, it has 
been at the same time a labor of love, with a desire to perpetuate and 
extend the knowledge of events of more than ordinary interest and 
importance. 

Deeply sensible of imperfections in the presentation of many sections 
of this book, notwithstanding the painstaking care given to every chapter, 
it is now committed to the considerate judgment of its readers. 

In sending this volume forth, the writer cherishes the hope that its 
perusal may promote a sincere love for the church whose history it narrates 
and beget an unswerving devotion to all her future interests. 

Alonzo A. DeLarme. 

Norristown, Pa., July, i8qj. 



CHARTER. 



" An act to incorporate the society known by the name of the Norristown 
Baptist Church, in the County of Montgomery. 

"Section i. Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Represen- 
tatives of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, in General Assembly met, 
and it is hereby enacted by the authority of the same, That the society 
known by the name of the Norristown Baptist Church, in the County of 
Montgomery, is hereby erected into one body politic and corporate, in deed 
and in law, by the name, style, and title of the ' Norristown Baptist Church,' 
and by the same name shall have perpetual succession, and be able to sue 
and be sued in all courts of law and elsewhere, and shall be able and 
capable in law and equity to take and hold lands and tenements, goods and 
chattels, of whatsoever kind, nature and quality, real, personal or mixed, 
which are now, or hereafter shall become the property of the said congre- 
gation, by gift, grant, bargain, sale, conveyance, assurance, will, devise, 
bequest, or otherwise, by any person or persons capable of making the 
same, and the same to grant, bargain, sell, mortgage or dispose of, and the 
yearly value or income of the real and personal estate of said corporation 
shall not at any time exceed two thousand dollars, nor shall more than one 
hundred and fifty acres of land be at any time held or enjoyed by said 
Association, incorporated by this Act, nor shall it be lawful for said corpo- 
ration to appropriate any of its surplus funds to any other than a charitable 
or religious purpose. 

" Sec. 2. And be it further enacted by the authority aforesaid, That 
the affairs of said corporation shall be managed and superintended by seven 
trustees, five of whom shall be a quorum to transact business, to be chosen 
from the members of the said congregation, who shall choose by ballot 
from among their number, a president and secretary, and shall also choose 
a treasurer from among the members of the congregation who is not a 
trustee, and who shall, if required by the trustees of said corporation, give 
sufficient security for the trust reposed in him, and shall account to such 



history of the 



trustees for all sums of money received by him, or remaining in his hands 
at any time ; and in case of the removal of the president, or any of the 
trustees, by death, resignation or otherwise, the vacancy or vacancies shall 
be supplied by the board of trustees till the next annual election, and the 
following named persons shall be trustees, until others shall be elected in 
the manner hereinafter prescribed, viz : — Phinehas Phillips, John White- 
head, Samuel D. Phillips, D. Sower, Jr., Geo. Eve, Jerome Walnut and 
B. F. Hancock, to continue in office until the first Thursday in January, 
one thousand eight hundred and thirty four, on which day the members of 
said congregation shall elect seven trustees, to continue in office for one 
year, or until others shall be elected to fill their places, and the annual 
election of trustees shall be on the first Thursday in January in each year : 
Provided, always, that the same trustees or any of them may be re-elected. 

" Sec. 3. And be it further enacted by the authority aforesaid, That 
all elections to be held in pursuance of this Act shall be conducted by 
three members of the corporation, who shall be appointed inspectors at the 
same place where the trustees are to be elected as aforesaid, by the electors 
then assembled, in such manner as may be agreed on by said electors, and 
the inspectors so chosen shall appoint one or more persons as their clerk or 
clerks, to perform such duties as the nature of the case may require; and 
any person not a member of said corporation, contributing yearly a sum not 
less than two dollars to the support of the said church, shall be entitled to 
vote at the elections of said corporation, and shall be eligible as a trustee, 
and each election so had as aforesaid shall be closed, and the number of 
votes for each person shall be ascertained; the inspectors of said election, 
or a majority of them, shall thereupon make out, under their respective 
hands, a return thereof, with the names of the trustees-elect, and shall 
deliver the said return to the secretary of the corporation, who shall within 
three days thereafter give notice in writing to each of the trustees-elect, of 
their respective election. 

" Sec. 4. And be it further enacted by the authority aforesaid, That 
any person who shall hereafter be a member of said congregation shall be 
entitled to all the privileges, and subject to the same regulations as other 
members, and every member shall be at liberty at any time to withdraw 
from said corporation. 

" Sec. 5. And be it further enacted by the authority aforesaid, That 
the said corporation shall have a right to make and use a common seal, 
with such device and inscription as to them shall seem meet, and to alter 
and revise the same at pleasure. 



FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH. 



" Sec. 6. And be it further enacted by the authority aforesaid, That the 
said trustees and their successors shall have power to enact and enforce such 
by-laws and ordinances as may be proper and necessary for the regulation 
and transaction of the business of the said corporation, to establish and 
change the time and place of the annual election of trustees from time to time, 
as the same may be found convenient, or if said congregation neglect to 
elect on the day of the annual meeting, appoint any subsequent time on 
which said election shall be held : Provided, That public notice shall be 
given on Lord's day, immediately before or after divine service, and in 
such other manner as a majority of the trustees may direct, at least one week 
previous to the time and place of holding such elections : And provided, 
also, That said by-laws and ordinances shall not be inconsistent with the 
constitution and by-laws of this State or of the United States, and that the 
same be approved of by a majority of the members of the congregation, 
qualified as aforesaid to vote at any special meeting called by the trustees 
for that purpose, on notice giyen as aforesaid, and the by-laws and ordi- 
nances of the said corporation shall be fairly entered and registered by the 
Secretary, which book, and other records of the corporation, shall be open 
to the inspection of any member of the corporation at all reasonable hours, 
on application to the Secretary, and in case an election of trustees shall not 
be held at the time or times appointed, the corporation shall not thereby be 
dissolved : And moreover, The Legislature reserve the right to repeal, 
alter or amend this act, or any part thereof, at any time hereafter 

SAMUEL ANDERSON, 
Speaker of the House _of Representatives. 
THOS. RINGLAND, 

Speaker of the Senate. 
" Approved the eighth of April, A. D. 1833." 

GEO. WOLF. 



HISTORY OF THE 

FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH 

OF NORRISTOWN 



CHAPTER I. 
Organization. 



The Baptist cause in Norristown had its beginning 
with a series of meetings held in the Court House and 
in the old Academy Building, during the month of 
November, 1832. These meetings were planned and 
conducted by the Rev. Leonard Fletcher, pastor of 
the Great Valley Church, Upper Merion, Chester 
County, Pa. 

Mr. Fletcher had associated with him in these 
meetings William T. Brantley, D. D., pastor of the 
First Baptist Church of Philadelphia, and Rev. Dyer 
A. Nichols, pastor of the Roxborough Church. 

The only churches in Norristown at this time were 
St. John's Episcopal, which was founded in 181 2, and 
the First Presbyterian, founded in 181 9. 

The Baptists were little known in this section, the 
only churches in the county being the Montgomery, 
in Montgomery township, organized June 20, 17 19, 
and the Lower Providence, in Lower Providence 
township, established in 1809. 

On the seventh of November, 1832, the following 
notice appeared in the Norristown Herald : 

" Protracted Meeting. — A meeting of several days' continuance 
will be held at the Court House, in Norristown, commencing on Wednes- 
day, the 7th of November, at 7 p. m. Ministers of the Gospel, and other 
members of churches of every denomination, are affectionately invited to 
aid in the services and participate in the joys of the occasion. 

" (Signed) L. Fletcher. 

" Pastor of the Baptist Church in the Great Valley, Pa." 



14 HISTORY OF THE 



In accordance with this announcement meetings 
were held every day for about two weeks, in the old 
Court House on Penn Street, and in the old Academy 
Building, DeKalb and Airy Streets. There were 
usually three services daily, at 10 a. m., 2 p. m. and 
6 p. m. In those days a "protracted meeting" usually 
monopolized the time and attention of the people 
generally. Oftentimes stores were closed and business 
suspended during the hour of service, for a fortnight 
or more. 

These evangelistic services, as they would be called 
to-day, were very largely attended. The Presbyterians 
generously offered their house of worship, and both 
this church and the Court House were unable to con- 
tain the crowds that flocked in from the towns and 
surrounding country. The Herald, in speaking of the 
meetings, said, "On Saturday evening the Court 
House and Presbyterian Meeting House were both 
crowded, and on Sunday both of the churches and the 
Court House were full." The other church probably 
being St. John's Episcopal. 

These services being popular in nature, evangel- 
istic in character and free from everything that was 
formal and stereotyped, they would naturally attract 
the attention and enlist the interest of a community 
unaccustomed to this simple mode of worship. But 
aside from this the men who were conducting the 
meetings were preachers of marked ability. 

Rev. Leonard Fletcher, who seems to have taken 
the initiative step in this missionary enterprise, had 
been greatly blessed in his work at the Great Valley 



FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH. 1 5 

Church. His pastorate there was marked by the 
abundant and continuous outpouring of the Holy 
Spirit. One, in writing of his work, says: "Day 
after day the house was thronged with rejoicing wor- 
shipers and weeping penitents. This continued with 
but little cessation during Brother Fletcher's entire 
stay. Many of you remember, with tenderest emotion, 
those precious days and the gracious words which 
proceeded out of his mouth. During the eight years 
of his labor in this pastorate he baptized more than 
four hundred into the membership of the church. ' ' His 
missionary spirit often led him outside of his own 
particular field. After establishing the church at 
Norristown, he went to West Chester and conducted 
a series of meetings in the Court House there that 
resulted in an organization which has grown into a 
large and influential church. After this he labored 
for twenty years in the South. And then, "as God 
heard the prayer of Jacob and brought him back to 
his father's house in peace, so he brought Brother 
Fletcher back in the evening of his life, that his flesh 
might repose in the midst of those he had led to Jesus, 
awaiting with them the resurrection of the just." 

Rev. Dyer A. Nichols, of Roxborough, was a faithful 
worker and an earnest preacher and rendered valuable 
services both in these meetings and in the subsequent 
work of organizing and establishing this new interest. 
He frequently preached for the infant church until 
they called a pastor. 

Brother Fletcher was particularly fortunate in 
having the assistance of such a noted preacher as 



HISTORY OF THE 



William T. Brantley, Sr., D. D., pastor of the First 
Church of Philadelphia. The Baptist Encyclopedia 
says of Dr. Brantley, u In Philadelphia his success 
was remarkable. In eleven years he baptized six 
hundred persons into the fellowship of the First 
Church, and he was instrumental in founding the 
Norristown Church. Dr. Brantley was a man of fine 
talents, his learning was profound, his classical 
scholarship was of the highest order, his voice had 
unusual compass and melody, and his heart went with 
his eloquent utterances, so that his oratory was over- 
whelming, his whole audience would be alternately 
bathed in tears or carried up to the third heaven in 
jubilant delight. Christ was everything in his heart 
and in his sermons." 

Such were the talents and lofty qualities of the 
preachers who laid the foundation of the First Bap- 
tist Church in Norristown. 

It is supposed that almost the whole community 
heard the Word as it was proclaimed by these earnest 
eloquent men of God, during this first revival effort. 
Seed was sown at that time whose harvest will con- 
tinue to be reaped until that day when the Son of 
Man shall come in all His glory and the church mil- 
itant shall become the church triumphant. 

The meetings were a success, not only in point of 
the numbers attracted and the widespread interest 
incited, but in visible results as well. A good number 
professed faith in Christ and promptly confessed Him 
in baptism. Mr. Fletcher seems to have adhered 
strictly to the New Testament order. Like Peter, his 



FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH. I 7 

cry was "Repent and be baptized every one of you," 
and "straightway" those who believed were baptized. 

There was very little machinery or routine in 
church methods among Baptists in those days. The 
simple mode of worship, the preaching, praying, 
singing and conducting services after the New Tes- 
tament type, had already attracted the attention and 
enlisted the interest of the entire community, but the 
greatest event was the first baptism. On November 
the twelfth, five days after the first meeting, sixteen 
obedient converts were led into the Schuylkill river 
and "buried with Christ in baptism." This was 
probably the first Scriptural baptism ever witnessed in 
Norristown. The Herald, in commenting upon it, 
said that the ordinance was witnessed by about fifteen 
hundred persons. A few days later eleven others 
were baptized, making twenty-seven in all who "pro- 
fessed a good profession before many witnesses." 

This series of meetings was indeed Norristown' s 
Pentecost. It was not only the first real evangelistic 
effort of the Baptists, but the first genuine religious 
revival, conducted according to the New Testament 
and Apostolic pattern, by any denomination. Here 
was set in motion a mighty movement for God, whose 
results cannot be fully known this side of eternity. 
The event proved a real crisis in the religious life of 
the town and vicinity. It was the setting of that New 
Testament type and mould of doctrine which in after 
years proved effectual in establishing the spiritual 
worship of primitive Christianity in the midst of a 
strongly ritualistic community. 



HISTORY OF THE 



In the days of the apostles, as the disciples went 
from place to place, preaching the Gospel and bap- 
tizing believers, they organized churches in the 
various towns and cities, as the Holy Spirit gave them 
direction. 

So it was here, as believers were added unto the 
Lord steps were immediately taken to organize a 
church. According to appointment, a number of 
individuals who had previously agreed to unite in the 
formation of a Baptist church in the Borough of 
Norristown, Montgomery County, Penna., assembled 
at that place, on Wednesday, December 12, 1832, for 
the purpose of being regularly organized as a church 
of Jesus Christ. On the day of the organization of 
the church a council, which had been previously called, 
assembled with the brethren and formally recognized 
the new body as a regular Baptist church. This 
council consisted of the following brethren : W. T. 
Brantley, D. D., of the First Baptist Church of 
Philadelphia ; Leonard Fletcher, pastor of the Great 
Valley Baptist Church ; Dyer A. Nichols, pastor of 
the Roxborough Baptist Church; Deacons John Pugh 
and Daniel Abraham, of Great Valley ; Deacons 
William Rawley, Berriah Willis and Perry W. Lev- 
ering, of Roxborough, and David S. Hall and John 
Dixon. 

W. T. Brantley, D. D., was chosen moderator, and 
Daniel Abraham, secretary. 

A letter was then read from the Great Valley 
Baptist Church, dismissing the following persons to 
be embodied in the new organization, viz. : Phinehas 



FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH. 1 9 

Phillips, Joseph Abraham, Ann Abraham, Sarah 
Sturges, George Eve, Thomas Mann, Deborah Mann, 
George Crow, Ann Crow, Mira Moore, Mary Ann 
Bolton, Clarissa Bastbnrn, Hannah McCoy, Harriet 
Davis, Jane Kastburn, Mary Anderson and Ann 
Jenkins. Another letter was read from the Rox- 
borough Baptist Church, dismissing the following 
members to be united in the new church, viz. : 
Joseph Marchman, Hannah Randall, Rebecca Stelle, 
Edith Ayers, Mary Ann Dougherty, Mary March- 
man, Mary Price, Sarah Ann Ayers, Wilmina Ran- 
dall, Almeda Ayers, Rebecca Davis, Mary C. Ayers 
and Emeline Ayers. The following had recently 
been baptized and had not yet united with the mother 
churches : Mary Stilagen, Martha Kugler, Louisa 
McGee, Susannah Kugler, Caroline McGee, Margaret 
Richafus, Sarah Ann Harris and John Buck. These 
thirty-eight persons were the constituent members of 
the new church. 

The recognition sermon was preached by Dr. 
Brantley, from Matt. 8: 20, u The foxes have holes 
and the birds of the air have nests, but the Son of 
Man hath not where to lay his head." The prayer 
was offered by Rev. Mr. Nichols. 

The council met at the house of Mrs. Elizabeth 
Grosscup, on the corner of Main and Green Streets. 
From here they marched in a body to the Court House 
for the public services. Upon arriving at the Court 
House they found that the doors had been closed 
against them. Hereupon the exercises were held in 
the Court House yard, Dr. Brantley preaching the 



HISTORY OF THE 



sermon from the steps, outside the locked door. The 
next week the following statement from Dr. Brantley, 
as moderator of the council, appeared in the Herald 
of December 19 : 

" A number of persons convened in the borough of Norristown, on 
Wednesday last, for the purpose of forming a Baptist church, when about 
fifty individuals [he wrote apparently from memory only; the exact num- 
ber was thirty-eight], some of whom had been dismissed from the Great 
Valley and Roxborough Churches, and others recently baptized in this 
place, were solemnly united and embodied in church relation. 

" The sermon on the occasion was delivered by William T. Brantley, 
of Philadelphia, in the Court-hottse yard, and the prayer was made by 
D. A. Nichols, of Roxborough. Leonard Fletcher, of the Great Valley 
Church, introduced the exercises preparatory to the constitution. The 
house occupied by Mrs. Grosscup was kindly offered for the occasion. The 
undersigned takes this opportunity, on behalf of himself and his brethren, 
to express a proper sense of the course pursued by those individuals who 
rendered it necessary that the exercises of divine worship should have an 
uncommon prominence. (Signed) 

" Wm. T. Brantley, 

" Chairman of the Council." 

George Frear, D. D., in describing the proceedings 
of this memorable council, in 1875, sa ^ : U N° doubt 
these loyal Baptist ancestors of the Apostles were very 
thankful that they were on the outside of the locked 
doors, for oftentimes their Baptist fathers had seen the 
inside of fastened doors, for preaching the very same 
gospel. The spirit which tried to shut the Baptists 
out of New England would have shut them out of 
Norristown, if possible. Dr. Brantley must have felt 
nearer kinship to Baptists of 'ye olden tyme,' as he 
stood on the Court-house steps and preached from the 
text : ' The foxes have holes and the birds of the air 
have nests, but the Son of man hath not where to lay 
his head, ' ' ' 



FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH. 2 1 



N. B. Randall, D. D. , in writing of the event, in 
1882, said : "All honor to those noble Christian men 
and women of fifty years ago ! They had the courage 
to stand by their convictions amid persecution, and 
not only to march through the streets singing praises 
to God, but to stand out of doors, in the cold Decem- 
ber wind, for His worship." 

These brethren, who so courageously launched this 
noble enterprise for God and humanity, in the midst 
of such grave difficulties, evidently planned to make 
the little band strong against attacks from without 
and pure from heresy within by firmly placing the 
church on a platform of principles and doctrines from 
which it could never be moved by any opposition or 
persecution that might be directed against it. 

The following questions which were propounded, 
together with the answers given, constitute the solemn 
compact under which the infant church began its 
heroic battle for truth and righteousness : 

1. Do you all seriously and solemnly desire to be 
united as a church of the I^ord Jesus ? 

Answer. — We do so desire it. 

2. Do you maintain and believe those principles 
and doctrines usually held among the Baptist 
churches, viz, of three equal persons in the God- 
head, the total depravity of all mankind by the fall of 
our first parents, eternal, personal and unconditional 
election, justification by the imputed righteousness 
of Christ, efficacious grace in the vocation of the elect, 
water baptism by immersion only, on profession of 
faith and repentance, the Lord's supper, a privilege 



±2 History of the 



peculiar to the church, the final perseverance of the 
saints to glory, the resurrection of the dead, the 
general judgment and the future happiness of the 
saints and misery of the wicked alike, interminable ? 

Answer. — Our views and sentiments are, so far as 
we have received light and grace, in accordance 
therewith. 

3. Are you resolved with the help of the L,ord to 
perform to each other, and to the world about you, so 
far as you know and understand, the duties of church 
members ; to make it your care and study to grow in 
grace and in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ ; 
to watch over one another with tender concern, and 
to admonish one another with prudence and meekness ; 
not to forsake the assembling of yourselves together, 
but to act faithful and constant in your attendance 
upon the meetings which may be held for the worship 
of God, except when hindered by ill health or some 
other cause ? 

Answer. — This is what we purpose and resolve. 

4. Are you now willing to give yourselves to the 
Ivord, and to each other, to devote yourselves as far as 
in you lies to the blessed work of advancing his cause 
and kingdom on the earth, and to make your light so 
to shine before men that they, seeing your good works, 
may glorify your father in Heaven ? 

Answer. — To this we are desirous of being devoted. 

5. Do you acknowledge the duty of sustaining, by 
your contributions of worldly substance, to the best of 
your ability, the ministry of the Gospel, especially in 
the pastoral relation ; to the cause of missions, of 



FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH. 23 

Sabbath schools, of bible and tract societies, and other 
benevolent plans for the increase of goodness, virtue, 
righteousness and peace in the world? 

Answer. — We so acknowledge our duty. 

6. Do you now feel fellowship one with another, 
and will it be your study to keep the unity of the 
spirit in the bonds of peace ? 

Answer. — Yes. 

After these questions and answers, it was agreed 
by the council that the brethren before them were 
ready for constitution. They were then solemnly 
commended to God by prayer, and afterwards received 
the right hand of fellowship, and were solemnly con- 
stituted and recognized as a Baptist church of Christ, 
under the name and title of the Norristown Baptist 
Church. 

What a splendid foundation for the new enterprise. 
There is nothing unsound, weak or superficial in it. 
Such a solid foundation was well suited to give shape 
and comeliness to the superstructure. Only that 
which is sound in doctrine, scriptural in practice and 
spiritually symmetrical, ought ever to be placed in a 
structure whose foundation has been so deeply and 
securely laid. 

These pioneer brethren built upon the strong, broad 
"foundation of the Apostles and Prophets, Jesus 
Christ himself being the chief corner stone." And 
if ever a little band of disciples needed a strong, 
clearly stated platform of principles and doctrines, 
surely it was the founders of the Baptist Church in 
Norristown. They needed, indeed, to be ready always 



24 HISTORY OF THE 



to give an answer to every man that asketh a reason 
of the hope. A bitter spirit of religious intolerance 
prevailed at this time in many sections of the country. 
In Norristown, there was a very strong feeling of 
prejudice against the Baptists. 

There was not the denominational comity, in the 
early part of this century, that there is to-day. Bigotry 
and sectarianism were very marked. The full Gospel 
of religious toleration had not yet been preached in 
many sections of the country. The same spirit of 
intolerance, which imprisoned John Bunyan for twelve 
years in Bedford jail, and which exiled Roger Williams 
from the Massachusetts colony, prevailed to some 
extent in Norristown. 

The first few months of the young church's his- 
tory were quite eventful. It was not altogether unlike 
the beginning of the Apostolic church. They had 
the Pentecostal blessing ; there were great numbers 
who flocked to hear the word. A good number 
believed and were baptized. The young church had 
also to face bitter opposition, closed doors, threats, 
persecution and all sorts of outrages. One evening, 
when the congregation had assembled for worship in 
the old Academy Building, there was an exhibition 
of maliciousness such as, doubtless, has seldom been 
witnessed in a Christian community. Mr. Fletcher 
had delivered, with unusual power, a very graphic 
sermon on the subject of "The Final Judgment." 
At the close of the sermon the congregation was 
singing, with great solemnity, 

" That awful day will surely come ; 
The appointed hour makes haste 
When I must stand before my judge 
And pass the solemn test," 



FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH. 25 

when a terrific crash was heard, which brought 
the services to a sudden end, and awakened in some 
minds the thought that the day of judgment had 
surely come. Investigation showed that miscreants 
had placed a keg of powder against the building and 
fired it by a safety fuse, just at the time when it would 
cause the greatest panic. 

These early Baptists could not as yet thank God 
that they had ' ' a place to worship where none dare to 
molest or make afraid." But such exhibitions of 
malice and intolerance only tended to intensify the 
zeal of these earnest disciples of the Lord Jesus. With 
consecrated loyalty to Christ and unswerving fidelity 
to His Word they went forward, nothing daunted by 
the opposition and hostilities which they encountered. 

They were an heroic band, worthy to be the pro- 
genitors of a great church, whose power and influence 
should be widely felt, and from whose pulpit should 
be proclaimed the full Gospel of salvation, liberty 
and sobriety, by some of the most eloquent and fearless 
preachers of the nineteenth century. 

At the first regular business meeting of the church, 
Phinehas Phillips and Samuel D. Phillips were chosen 
as deacons. It was decided that the ordinance of 
the Lord's supper should be administered the second 
Lord's Day in each month, and that the business 
meeting of the church be held the Saturday evening 
preceding. At this first business meeting a committee, 
consisting of Phinehas Phillips, Joseph Abraham, S. 
D. Phillips, David Sower and B. F. Hancock, was 
appointed to purchase a lot and make -other necessary 
preparations for building a house of worship. 



HISTORY OF THE 



These brethren. undertook at once their difficult 
task, and issued the following notice in the Norristown 
Register of January 10, 1833 : 

" The members of the Norristown Baptist Church and others who feel 
interested in the erection of a Baptist meeting house, at or near Norristown, 
are requested to meet at the Academy, on Saturday, the 19th of January, 
at three o'clock p. m. 

Phinehas Phillips, 
Joseph Abraham, 
Samuel D. Phillips, 
D. Sower, Jr., 
B. F. Hancock, 

Committee. 

Pursuant to this public notice, a number of persons 
met in the Academy, when it was decided that 
the meeting house should be built in Norristown. 
Subsequently the committee purchased a piece of 
ground on Swede and Airy Streets, of Mr. Potts, for 
which they agreed to pay the sum of $1200. This lot 
comprised nearly the whole square between Swede 
and Cherry and Airy and Penn Streets. It proved 
a desirable and convenient location, and the wisdom 
and judgment of the committee who made the selec- 
tion have been attested in the subsequent history of 
the church. 

At this meeting, it was resolved that the church 
apply to the Legislature for act of incorporation. This 
charter, or act of incorporation, was secured, and 
approved by the Governor, George Wolf, April 8, 
1833. The full text of the charter is found in the 
front of this volume. 

At the business meeting held February 9, 1833, 
it was decided that the church should unite with the 



FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH. 2*J 

Central Union Association. At nearly all these meet- 
ings, and frequently on Sunday mornings, candidates 
were examined and received into the fellowship of the 
church after baptism. 

At the regular business meeting of the church on 
April 10, 1833, it was voted to seek a pastor, and 
Phinehas Phillips, Joseph Abraham and S. D. Phillips 
were appointed to attend to the same. Rev. Mr. 
Fletcher and Rev. Mr. Nichols continued to supply 
the church from time to time until a pastor was 
secured. Meanwhile, the work of building a house 
was pushed forward. By September, 1833, the base- 
ment was ready for use. Up to this time the services 
of the church had been held sometimes in the 
Academy and sometimes in the Court House. The 
Sunday school held its sessions in the school house. 
All these services were now held in the basement of 
the new church, although the entire building was not 
completed until the following spring. 




W. H. Jordan 

Pastor from September, 1833, to April, 1834. 



CHAPTER II. 



Pastorate of Rev. W. H. Jordan to that of Rev. H. 0. Wyer — 

September, 1833, to July, 1834. 



The committee appointed to recommend a suitable 
man for pastor reported from time to time having 
made inquiries, but were unable to recommend any 
one to the church. Finally, during the fall of 1833, 
Rev. William Hull Jordan, of North Carolina, during 
a trip north, preached for Dr. Brantley, in the First 
Church of Philadelphia. At the request of Dr. 
Brantley, Mr. Jordan soon after visited Norristown 
and entered into an arrangement with the church by 
which he was to preach for them Sabbath mornings, 
living in Philadelphia. He was to leave Philadelphia 
Saturday evening and return to the city the following 
afternoon. This arrangement, however, was not 
satisfactory and so was of short continuance. Mr. 
Jordan then agreed to remove to Norristown and to 
serve the church as regular pastor ; but before this 
matter was effected, circumstances rendered it neces- 
sary that he should return to North Carolina. So, 
Mr. Jordan's connection with the church was a very 
short one. While he was the first to preach statedly 
for the church, and has generally been regarded as 
their first pastor, he was probably never constituted 
such. 



32 HISTORY OF THE 



His connection with the church came to a close 
probably in March, or the first of April, 1834 — certainly 
before the twelfth of that month. 

Rev. William H. Jordan was born in North 
Carolina, August 15, 1803. His mother afterward 
married Rev. Mr. Poindexter and became the mother 
of the noted Dr. A. M. Poindexter. Mr. Jordan was 
converted in 1823 aim began preaching the same year. 
He is said to have been one of the ablest and most 
eloquent ministers in the South. A great revival 
began from his first preaching in North Carolina, 
which, it is claimed, resulted in the conversion of 
fully two thousand souls. 

At a church meeting on January n, 1834, a letter 
was read from the brethern at West Chester, referring 
to the constitution of a church in that place, requesting 
the attendance of Mr. Jordan and likewise a delegation 
from the church, whereupon Phinehas Phillips and 
J. Courtney and S. D. Phillips were appointed. 

In February it was resolved that the church deem 
it desirable to hold a "protracted meeting" as soon as 
the meeting house should be finished, and five brethren 
were appointed, W. H. Jordan, Phinehas Phillips, 
Joseph Abraham, Geo. Eve and S. D. Phillips, to make 
the necessary arrangements for the same. At this 
same time it was recommended that the church take 
into consideration the propriety and necessity of 
forming a society to contribute monthly, or oftener, 
for the purpose of liquidating the debt on the meeting 
house. 




First Church edifice 



FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH. 35 

The much needed house of worship was finally 
completed, and formally dedicated in March, 1834. 
The exact date when the dedication services were 
held is not known. Dr. Brantley, who had preached 
the sermon on the occasion of the church's recog- 
nition, was present and delivered the dedicatory 
sermon. Rev. Messrs. Fletcher, Nichols and Hall 
took part in the services. 

The building was a plain stone structure, seventy 
feet long by forty-eight feet wide. It contained two 
stories, with a basement room forty-three feet square, 
for conference and Sunday school purposes, and cost, 
including the grounds, about seven thousand dollars. 

The auditorium now being ready for use the pro- 
tracted meetings commenced agreebly to the foregoing 
arrangements. These services were begun on Thurs- 
day, the thirteenth of March, 1834, probably immedi- 
ately after the dedication exercises, possibly on that 
very day, in which case, the thirteenth of March 
would be the exact date of the dedication. The 
special meetings seem to have been largely attended 
and great interest was manifested. The preaching 
was by the Rev. Messrs. Brantley, Fletcher, Nichols 
and Hall. There were a number of conversions and 
thirty-three were added to the church. 

The discipline at this period was quite rigid and 
members were frequently disciplined for the violation 
of the rules of the church, or for disorderly walk. 
The necessity of this, always unfortunate, must have 
been particularly disheartening to the church in its 
infancy. 



36 HISTORY OF THE 



At the church meeting held on the twelfth of 
April, 1834, it was resolved to seek a successor to Mr. 
Jordan, and Phinehas Phillips and S. D. Phillips were 
appointed a committe of correspondence. Rev. D. A. 
Nichols again supplied the pulpit until a pastor was 
secured. He was also present and presided at most of 
the business meetings of the church. 

On June 7, 1834, Benjamin F. Hancock, Esq., 
related his Christian experience and was baptised on 
the Sabbath following. Mr. Hancock had before this 
time been active in the financial and business affairs 
of the church and soon became a leader in its spiritual 
interests. He was one of the church's first trustees, 
acting as secretary of the Board, and, what would 
seem strange enough now, he was Sunday school 
superintendent for two years before his conversion. 
A Sunday school had been organized a few months 
prior to the constitution of the church. 

The sessions of the school were held at first in the 
house of Mrs. Grosscup, and later in the school build- 
ing, situated at the corner of Cherry and Airy Streets, 
until the basement of the church was ready for 
occupancy, in September, 1833. Mr. Hancock being 
a reputable and highly respected citizen, and much 
interested in Christian work and in sympathy with the 
efforts of the Baptists to establish a church in the 
community, was chosen its first Sunday school super- 
intendent. 

Benjamin F. Hancock, Esq., was born in 1799 
and died in 1867. He was a successful lawyer at the 
Montgomery County bar for many years and greatly 



FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH. 37 

respected throughout the county for his ability and 
rare integrity. Besides being Sunday school super- 
intendent and trustee in the Baptist church, he was 
for a number of years an honored deacon. He was a 
man of deep convictions and of marked individuality. 
In his government of the Sunday school he was rigid 
and methodical. He loved his church and labored 
with untiring devotion for what he believed to be the 
highest interests of the cause of Christ. His more 
illustrious son, General W. S. Hancock, the hero of 
Gettysburg and the Democratic candidate for President 
in 1880, was, in his childhood, a scholar in the Baptist 
Sunday school, where his father had been so many 
years a faithful superintendent. 

At the meeting in June, 1834, a very important 
resolution was passed, u that special prayer be made 
to the great Head of the church, that He would send 
us a pastor, whose labors He would own and bless in 
the conversion of many sinners and the upbuilding of 
this church in all the graces of His Holy Spirit." 
Not a few of the precedents of church business 
meeting are more honored in the breach than in the 
observance, but here is one that ought to be assidu- 
ously observed and invariably followed whenever a 
pastor is to be chosen. 




H. O. WYER 

Pastor from July, 1834, to October, 1834. 



CHAPTER III. 



Pastorate of Rev. Henry Otis Wyer to that of Rev. C. E. Wilson 
— July* 1834, to January, 1835. 



Rev. H. 0. Wyer visited the church in July, 1834, 
and on the thirteenth of that month was unanimously 
called to the pastorate. 

Mr. Wyer, like his predecessor, was a young man, 
being only thirty-three, but like him, also, already a 
preacher of marked power and ability. He was 
educated at the Waterville College and Columbian 
University. At the age of twenty-two he became 
pastor of an important church in Savannah, Ga., where 
hundreds were converted under his ministry, and 
the Baptist cause in that city was greatly advanced. 
As a preacher he is said to have had few equals, 
being especially fitted for the pulpit by his good voice, 
comprehensive mind, cultivated intellect and sancti- 
fied heart. Among his converts, whom he baptized in 
the South, was Richard Fuller, D. D., who became 
one of the most noted men in the denomination. Dr. 
Fuller was educated at Harvard, and, entering upon 
his chosen profession of the law, soon became one of 
the most accomplished lawyers in his state. He was 
for a number of years a member of the Episcopal 



42 HISTORY OF THE 



church, but, during a great revival of religion, he 
became convinced that he had never been converted, 
and so professed conversion at this time. He had 
been immersed by the Episcopal rector when he 
united with that church, but, dating his real conver- 
sion from the influence of this revival season, and 
thoroughly convinced that believer's baptism only 
was scriptural, he was re-baptized by Mr. Wyer. Dr. 
Richard Fuller achieved a national reputation by his 
memorable debate with President Francis Wayland 
on the slavery question. 

The baptism of this remarkable man, which was 
an event of such importance that it became known 
throughout the country, was among the last pastoral 
duties of Mr. Wyer before coming to Norristown. 

During this pastorate, September 13, 1834, a com- 
mittee was appointed for the purpose of examining 
candidates for baptism, and also to attend to all cases 
of disorder in all members of the church. This com- 
mittee consisted of the pastor, Phinehas Phillips, 
Thos. Shaw, George Eve and Benjamin F. Hancock. 

Prior to this, candidates for baptism and all cases 
of discipline came directly, and at once, before the 
church. Now these matters were to be considered 
first by a committee and then brought before the 
church for final action. At a previous meeting a com- 
mittee had been appointed to examine persons pro- 
fessing to be called to preach the Gospel, and on 
September 13, 1834, John Courtney, having been 
recommended by said committee, was granted a 
license to preach. 



FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH. 43 

Mr. Wyer's pastorate came to a close in October, 
1834, after only three months' duration. He was 
broken in health when he came from Savannah, and 
he did not recover sufficiently to do the work, even 
of the small church in Norristown. 

During this brief pastorate there were several 
conversions, and a few were added to the church. 




C. E. WILSON 
Pastor from January, 1 835, to April, i< 



CHAPTER IV. 



Pastorate of Rev. Charles E. Wilson to that of Rev. David 
Bernard — January, 1835, to June, 1838. 



The church now being pastorless, a committee, 
consisting of three brethren, Phinehas Phillips, B. F. 
Hancock and S. D. Phillips, was appointed to obtain 
supplies for the pulpit. At a meeting in December, 
1834, two unsuccessful attempts having been made to 
secure a pastor, it was voted that ' ' a day be set apart 
for humiliation and prayer, believing that our condi- 
tion at present particularly called upon us to seek 
divine aid." 

On Thursday, January i, 1835, the following 
persons were elected as trustees for the year, viz : 
Phinehas Phillips, S. D. Phillips, George Eve, 
Thomas Shaw, George W. Thomas, B. F. Hancock 
and John Branch. 

On the tenth of January, Rev. Charles E. Wilson 
was called to take charge of the church for three 
months. Mr. Wilson had been engaged in missionary 
work in the West. He was also very successful in 
evangelistic meetings. He was at one time president 
of the New Jersey State Convention. The following 
appeared in the obituary notice of that convention in 



48 HISTORY OK THE 



1870: "Thepurity of Bro. Wilson's character, thesim- 
plicity of his life and his earnest piety deeply 
impressed those thrown into his companionship. His 
out-spoken loyalty to his country illustrated his un- 
selfish integrity. Extremely diffident, our brother 
shunned notoriety and place ; nevertheless, sought 
out, he was trusted and beloved as a wise man, a good 
man and a man faithful in all things." 

In the reminiscence of Mr. Wilson's Norristown 
pastorate by his widow, Mrs. Theresa Wilson, she 
says: " One of the most prominent events in the life of 
Mr. Wilson was the stand he took on the slavery 
question. Dr. Wm. T. Brantley delivered a lecture on 
slavery. Mr. Wilson heard it and replied through 
the papers. It was like the explosion of a bomb-shell 
in the community. Intense excitement prevailed. 
It was the beginning of a long controversy. There 
were not many ready then to stand by their pastor, 
but before the discussion closed they were almost 
united on the subject. Mr. Samuel Aaron dated his 
first convictions on the anti-slavery question from 
this controversy. Mr. Wilson was no respecter of 
persons, when great principles were at issue, but with 
quiet intrepidity took his stand for the truth." 

In 1882, Rev. Levi S. Beck wrote of his friend 
as follows : "My acquaintance with Mr. Wilson began 
at the time he became pastor at Norristown, forty-seven 
years ago. I was then pastor at Milestown. Both 
churches belonged then to the Central Union Asso- 
ciation, and this connection frequently brought us 
together. About this time protracted meetings began 



FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH. 49 

to be held among the churches of our denomination, 
and those of the Central Union Association were 
especially active in holding such meetings. Many in 
the old Philadelphia Association looked upon these 
movements with suspicion, and were disposed to 
regard the Central Union brethren as unsound in 
the faith, because of their adoption of such 'new 
measures' to promote the cause of Christ. Bro. 
Wilson entered heart and soul upon this revival work. 
I remember laboring with him in three meetings of 
this kind — at Milestown, Reading and Norristown. 
Mr. Wilson was a singularly modest man, never 
obtruding himself upon his brethren, and yet fearless 
and faithful in the presentation of truth and in the 
maintenance of what he believed to be right. I have 
a distinct recollection of his controversy with Dr. 
Brantley on the subject of slavery. The very fact of a 
controversy at that time and on that subject, with an 
intellectual giant like Dr. Brantley, proclaims how 
unflinchingly and faithfully Mr. Wilson adhered to 
his convictions. The Lord be praised for such men ! 
There is no one among my earlier acquaintances in 
the ministry whose memory I cherish more tenderly 
than that of Bro. Wilson. His deep piety, his conse- 
cration to his work and his loving spirit won not only 
my wannest regard but gave him a place in the con- 
fidence of all with whom he came in contact." 

During this pastorate, the question of admitting 
colored brethren to the church came up and was 
discussed at several meetings. August 8, 1835, it 
was resolved that the colored brethren take their seats 



50 HISTORY OF THE 



at communion with the other members. At this 
same meeting a letter was received from Hatboro, 
requesting the church to send delegates to assist them 
in constituting a church at that place. The pastor, 
Mr. Wilson and B. F. Hancock were chosen. 

September 12, it was unanimously decided that 
Mr. Wilson, who had now been serving the church 
as acting pastor for eight months, be continued as 
regular pastor without limitation. 

At this meeting it was voted to elect two more 
deacons, whereupon Thomas Shaw and George Kve 
were set apart to that office. 

January 7, 1836, the following brethren were 
elected trustees for the ensuing year: Thomas Shaw, 
Phinehas Phillips, S. D. Phillips, George W. Thomas, 
George Eve, William White and B. F. Hancock. 

At the regular business meeting, held January 9, 
1836, B. F. Hancock offered a series of resolutions, 
which were adopted at the February meeting, making 
it obligatory upon every member to pay at least one 
and one-half cents weekly for the maintenance of the 
Sabbath school and the church, and that a committee 
of ten should be appointed, whose duty it would be 
to collect these weekly fees. 

This was the first effort of the church to devise 
a Scriptural plan for systematic and proportionate 
giving. It aimed to secure a regular weekly offering 
from every member of the church and congregation. 
It would tend to make the matter of giving to the 
ford's work not only an honorable business-like pro- 
ceeding, but also an important religious duty. It 



FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH. 5 I 

would make the offering of the people a sacred and 
essential part of worship. This Gospel plan of finances 
introduced into the church at that early date, was one 
of the most important measures they had thus far 
enacted. The plan shows the business-like head and 
consecrated heart of its author. What a blessing such 
a talented consecrated Christian lawyer as Mr. Hancock 
would be to every church and commuuity. 

At this time the church took an advanced and pro- 
gressive step on the temperance question. On the 
tenth of September, 1836, after some discussion, the 
following resolutions were passed: "Whereas, the 
church is fully convinced, from observation and 
experience, that the use of intoxicating liquors as a 
beverage is neither needful or useful, and that its 
continuance tends to the formation of intemperance 
appetites and habits ; and whereas, the general spirit 
of the Bible unequivocally interdicts the indulgence 
of any irregular propensities, and we are solemnly 
commended therein to ' give none occasion of stum- 
bling to any brother,' 'to give non-offence to the 
Church of God,' ' to love our neighbor as ourselves,' 
and 'to abstain from all appearance of evil,' and 'if 
meat maketh my brother to offend I will eat no flesh 
while the world stands. ' He further says, ' when we 
sin so against the brethren we sin against Christ.' 
Wherefore, resolved, that this church verily believes, 
that manufacturing, vending or using intoxicating 
liquor for a beverage is a manifest violation of the 
spirit of the Bible, and is morally wrong and should 
be abandoned by every person, and especially by every 



52 HISTORY OF THE 



professor of religion. That, hereafter, no person shall 
be admitted a member of the church who is not a 
member of some temperance society, constituted on 
the broad plan of total abstinence from the use of all 
intoxicating liquors as a beverage, or who does not 
fully recognize the principle of abstainers as aforesaid, 
to be obligatory upon him or her." 

, The spirit and sentiment of these resolutions have 
been marked in all the subsequent history of the 
church. From this noble and aggressive stand on 
this question, the church has never departed. The 
principles enunciated by these resolutions have been 
more or less fervently proclaimed and strongly empha- 
sized by nearly all succeeding pastors. They have 
been a marked feature in the life and teachings of the 
ablest minister in the pulpit and the most prominent 
workers in the church and Sunday school, from that 
day to this. 

The church has always been recognized as a strong 
factor in the promulgation of temperance sentiment 
in the community. Its determined and uncompromis- 
ing stand against the saloon, the liquor traffic and 
the whole license system, has more than once brought 
upon ministers and laymen the calumny and persecu- 
tion of the opponents of virtue and sobriety. 

Total abstinence from the use of all intoxicating 
liquors as a beverage is still one of the required con- 
ditions for church membership. 

On May 31, 1836, the Central Union Association 
met for the first time with the Norristown Church. 
Dr. Brantley was moderator, Vigorous resolutions 



FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH. 53 

were adopted, declaring against intemperance; also 
the following on Sabbath schools: "That this asso- 
ciation regard with deepest interest the establishment 
and success of Sabbath schools, and recommend that 
the church not only have a Sabbath school in its place 
of worship, but to organize branch schools in every 
destitute place wherever practicable." 

It was customary at this time for the church to set 
apart a day, occasionally, for special prayer, to suppli- 
cate the bestowment of divine grace. Accordingly, 
on October 8, 1836, it was resolved "that, as the state 
of the church calls for humiliation and sorrow, it is 
earnestly recommended that it should embrace an 
early opportunity of holding a special prayer meeting, 
to deplore before God the low state of religion and to 
supplicate the bestowment of his spirit and grace." 

About this time, the denomination had undertaken 
to raise $5,000 to purchase tracts and bibles for the 
"Great Western Valley." The Norristown Church 
appointed a committee to solicit subscriptions for this 
work, and a collection was taken annually for the 
same. Thirty dollars was raised, also, by the church 
to constitute the pastor, Mr. Wilson, a life member 
of the American and Foreign Bible Society. Collec- 
tions were taken regularly for the aid of Foreign 
Missions. 

April 11, 1837, Pastor Wilson's salary was raised 
to $400. 

The first choir of the church was organized at this 
time. Abram Anderson, Geo. Wright and E. G. 
McCarter were chosen a committee to select a choir 
of singers from the church and congregation. 



54 HISTORY OF THE 



It was the custom of the church to resolve, 
formally, from time to time, to hold protracted meet- 
ings. At such time the pastor would invite a number 
of neighboring ministers to assist him in preaching. 
These meetings were usually held in winter, but that 
the church depended more upon the indications of 
Providence and the direction of the Holy Spirit, than 
upon the season, is evident from the following: At a 
business meeting on August 12, 1837, it was resolved 
to hold a ''meeting of days," commencing on Friday, 
the fifteenth of September; that Pastor Wilson be 
authorized to request the attendance of ministering 
brethren, and that subscription papers be circulated 
to defray the expenses of the protracted meeting. 

The last important work of Mr. Wilson as pastor 
was the introduction of a series of resolutions, making 
the Sunday school an organic part of the church and 
under the supervision of the same. Before this time, 
the school had been sustained by a society organized 
for that purpose. 

On Lord's Day morning, November 26, 1837, Mr. 
Wilson resigned the pastoral charge of the church and 
stated his determination to leave Norristown about 
the first of April, 1838. 

This pastorate of three years and three months was 
a very successful one, during which many important 
measures were introduced, and eighty were added to 
the church. 

A society having been organized by the denomi- 
nation for the printing and distribution of bibles over 
the world, the Norristown church, on February 10, 



FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH. 55 

1838, voted as follows : " That we heartily approve 
of the formation of the American and Foreign Bible 
Society, and do hereby tender it out best wishes and 
our aid ; that in our opinion, the society, in its 
operation, should be confined to no place, but should 
be at liberty to dispense the Word of God wherever 
needed ; that the clerk transmit to the corresponding 
secretary of the American and Foreign Bible Society 
a copy of the foregoing resolutions." 

In their letter to the Association, they state that 
an active sympathy is felt by this church in the great 
designs of evangelistic enterprise, but especially in the 
cause of Sabbath schools, missions and temperance. 
The next month a society was formed in the church, 
auxiliary to the Baptist State Convention, for mis- 
sionary purposes. Phinehas Phillips was appointed 
the agent. 




DAVID BERNARD 
Pastor from June, 1 838, to April, 1 84 1, 



CHAPTER V. 



Pastorate of Rev. David Bernard to that of Rev. Samuel 
Aaron — June, 1838, to April, 1841. 



It was on March 20, 1838, one month after the 
departure of Mr. Wilson, that the church voted 
unanimously to call as pastor Rev. David Bernard, 
of Bedford, New York. He was to have a salary of 
$800; also house rent, fuel for one fire and $60 to 
defray expenses of moving. Mr. Bernard accepted 
the call and entered upon the duties of' his office 
June 9, 1838. 

The Rev. David Bernard was born in Utica, New 
York, in 1798. He was educated at Columbian 
University, Washington, D C, and read law with the 
Hon. Felix Grundy, of Nashville, Tenn. After his 
conversion he abandoned the study of law and decided 
to enter the ministry. He was ordained at Stillwater, 
New York, in 1824. ^ n 1869, Mr. Bernard wrote as 
follows concerning the choosing of his life work : 
"When a young man, four paths lay open before me, 
all inviting my acceptance. One led to wealth, one 
to fame, one to pleasure and one to usefulness. By 
grace I ignored the first three and chose the fourth. 
I have gone through this path for seventy years. I 



6o HISTORY OF THE 



look back and around me. I look forward. I 
have gathered no coffers of wealth, no chaplets of 
flowers, no cups of nectar. I am poor, but my wealth 
is in the bank that never fails. My crown is laid up 
in heaven ; it is a crown of life." 

When Mr. Bernard came to the Norristown church 
he was, as each of his predecessors had been, a 
preacher of some prominence in the denomination. 
Although he had been preaching but fourteen years, 
and was still a young man, he was widely known. 
That which brought him into prominence during his 
early life was his attitude to secret organizations. At 
this time the feeling was very strong throughout the 
country, particularly in New York, against free 
masonry. It was in 1826 that William Morgan wrote 
his famous book exposing the secrets of this fraternity. 
The mysterious abduction of Morgan occurred in the 
same year. The Baptist churches in many sections of 
the country felt it their duty to take action upon the 
matter. It became an article of faith, with those so 
convinced, that no person could be a good citizen, or 
a good Christian, and at the same time be a mason. 
The more the excitement grew the stronger became 
this conviction. Meetings were repeatedly held, and 
associations passed their resolutions of condemnation 
and disfellowship, alleging the institution to be injur- 
ious in its tendency, barbarous in its oaths, unwar- 
ranted in its claims to antiquity, and impious in its 
pretensions and ceremonials. The following was a 
common form of resolution in many Baptist associa- 
tions and conferences : 



FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH. 



"Resolved, that in the opinion of this Conference, it is the duty of 
every member of our churches who is a Free Mason to dissolve all connec- 
tion with the Masonic fraternity, and hold himself no longer bound by any 
ties of allegiance to the Masonic institution ; and that he give to the church 
to which he belongs satisfactory evidence of the same, thereby practically 
disapproving the institution." 

Dr. Alexander M. Beebee says that probably nine- 
tenths of Baptist Masons dissolved their connection 
with the order. Those who did not, for the most 
part, had their connection with Baptist churches 
dissolved. 

It was impossible that a wide-awake, aggressive 
young man like David Bernard, who had just been 
ordained to the ministry and was living in the section 
where the battle was hottest, should not take a 
decisive stand upon a question that was agitating the 
political and religious world. He spoke and wrote 
strongly and fearlessly against the abduction of 
Morgan, and openly denounced the institutions of 
masonry. His son, Charles B. Bernard, Esq., said 
his father was a marked man after he renounced 
masonry, yet he was fearless enough to travel alone 
in all sections of the country. 

In 1829, Mr. Bernard wrote a book entitled "Light 
on Masonry," of which President John Quincy Adams 
once said, in a public address: "Elder David Bernard 
was a minister of the Genesee Baptist Association, in 
New York. He was a man of good repute and of 
blameless life. To him, perhaps, more than to any 
other man, the world is indebted for the revelation of 
the most execrable mysteries of masonry, nor could 
he, as a minister of the word of God, have performed 



62 HISTORY OF THE 



a service to his country and fellow-Christians more 
suitable to his sacred functions." 

What gave Mr. Bernard's book a special interest 
at that time, was the fact that he had himself been 
for several years a prominent mason, having taken 
the four chaptoral degrees, the seven ineffable degrees 
and the "higher degrees." His secession from the 
order was therefore the more significant. 

Mr. Bernard was also a very strongly pronounced 
anti-slavery man, and it was during his pastorate that 
the Norristown church took those first decisive steps 
that made them the strong fervid abolitionists that 
they afterwards became, and by which they were 
distinguished until slavery was finally abolished. 

The work for which Pastor Bernard will always be 
remembered by Bible students is his translation of 
the Scriptures. This work, which is a new version of 
the entire Bible, bears the impress of the translator's 
profound and accurate scholarship. He was engaged 
upon this task during his stay in Norristown, but it 
was not until 1842, the year after leaving the church, 
that the work was given to the public, from L,ippin- 
cott's publishing house. 

Mr. Bernard's preaching is said to have been 
exegetical and expository. He occasionally wrote his 
sermons, but rarely used his manuscript in the pulpit. 
He preached for thirty years, and was for fifteen years 
agent for Bible societies. He died in Troy, New 
York, July n, 1876. 

In the year 1839, the trustees sold for the church 
the first piece of land from the original tract. This 



FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH. 63 

policy of selling lots from the church property to pay 
off current debts was unfortunately continued; until 
only the immediate site of the building was left. 
While this course seemed necessary then, and was 
probably not inexpedient when the lot embraced 
nearly a whole square, it was an egregious mistake to 
continue it so as to hinder or greatly embarrass the 
future enlarging or remodelling of the church 
building. 

Considerable attention was given to instruction 
in sacred music at this time. Singing schools were 
held in the church regularly, on Saturday evenings, for 
three months at a time! At this early date an impetus 
was given to congregational singing, for which the 
church has long been noted. 

A little later a gallery was erected for the choir in 
the rear of the auditorium, in accordance with the 
old-fashioned and ridiculous way of having the organ 
and the singers behind the audience. 

October 12, 1839, the Montgomery County Anti- 
Slavery Society, through Phinehas Phillips, asked for 
the use of the church for the society's quarterly 
meetings. Although the house, at this time, was not 
granted, the fact that the society asked for it, and that 
the request was formally considered, shows plainly 
that the church was regarded as being to a greater or 
less extent in sympathy with the anti-slavery move- 
ment, even at this time. 

It was while Mr. Bernard was still living in Norris- 
town that an anti-slavery meeting was held in the 
Baptist church, when addresses were delivered by 



64 HISTORY OF THE 



Hons. Garret Smith and Frederick Douglass. As the 
people were leaving the church stones were hurled 
through the windows, and so Mr. Bernard remained 
in the church through the night, lest the building 
might be destroyed. 

Sabbath desecration was now becoming a serious 
matter, and the church adopted the following : 
"Resolved, That we believe it to be the duty of 
Christians to abstain from all labor on the Iyord's 
Day, except what is absolutely a work of necessity or 
mercy, and to keep the day as a day of woship to the 
Lord." 

The Central Union Association at this time also 
declares, " whereas the Sabbath is constantly violated 
by traveling and pleasure riding on that holy day ; 
therefore, resolved, that this association urge upon 
all churches and the public generally to discount- 
enance such practices altogether, as morally wrong, 
except in cases of mercy and necessity." 

On December 12, 1840, Mr. Bernard gave notice 
that he would vacate the pastoral office on the ninth 
of April following, and requested the church to look 
out a suitable person to fill the place. Accordingly 
a committee was appointed, consisting of the pastor 
and brethren Hancock, Thomas, Scattergood, March, 
Shaw and S. D. Phillips. One could hardly conceive 
of a more commendable course than this, in the 
delicate and important matter of choosing a pastor. 
If this course were always pursued, and every retiring 
pastor, before he leaves his field, with the aid of the 
wisest members of the church, would endeavor to 



FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH. 65 

select and place his successor, the dreadful evils 
resulting from long interims of pastorates and the 
abominable practice of " candidating " would be 
largely avoided. The retiring pastor, who has the 
highest interests of the church at heart, and who is 
likely to be better and more widely acquainted with 
ministers than the laymen, ought to be the most 
competent to select a suitable man as his successor. 

During the pastorate of Mr. Bernard, as was the 
custom at this period, protracted meetings were held 
at different times. Nearly one hundred were added 
to the church by baptism, during his ministry. 

During these first eight years of its history the 
church had made rapid progress and was now quite a 
strong and vigorous body. There were two hundred 
and ninety-one members, among them were some of 
the most influential men of the county. Bxcepting 
the First Church of Philadelphia, the Norristown 
Church was much the largest one in the Central 
Union Association. There was a good number of 
accessions every year, the largest number any single 
year being sixty, in 1834, fifty-five by baptism and five 
by letter, and the smallest number being twelve, in 
1836 ; so that, although the discipline was rigid and 
there were frequent exclusions, the membership was 
steadily increasing. The Sunday-school, of which 
Mr. Hancock had been superintendent from its begin- 
ning, now numbered one hundred and forty scholars, 
with twenty teachers. 

Norristown was building up quite rapidly at this 
time, and during these years the Baptist church kept 



66 HISTORY OF THE 



apace with the town. As many as fifteen persons 
were sometimes received by letter in a year. 

The church had already identified itself with all 
the missionary and benevolent organizations of the 
denomination. It had taken a determined and ad- 
vanced stand in the matter of temperance reform and 
was soon to be equally pronounced and progressive on 
the slavery question. Indeed the church had already 
come to be looked upon as a true representative of 
virtue and sobriety in the community. Its influence 
in the diffusion of the principles of a pure Christian- 
ity was second to that of no other organization. 




Samuel Aaron 

Pastor from April, 1841, to June, 1844. 



CHAPTER VI. 



Pastorate of Rev. Samuel Aaron to that of Rev. I. N. 
Hobart — April, 1841, to June, 1844. 



The young church was now about to make a move 
which would prove to be one of the most momentary 
events in its history, and by which it would render 
its greatest service to Norristown and confer an ever- 
lasting benediction upon the entire community. This 
event was the calling to the pastorate of the church 
the Rev. Samuel Aaron. 

At a special church meeting, December 31, 1840, 
Pastor Bernard, chairman of the committee appointed 
to obtain a pastor, reported that the committee were 
prepared to recommend Rev. Samuel Aaron, of Bur- 
lington, N. J. , as a suitable person for pastor. After a 
free interchange of views among the members, it was 
unanimously agreed to invite Mr. Aaron to take the 
pastoral charge of the church. At the January meet- 
ing, a letter was read from Mr. Aaron, informing the 
church of his. acceptance of the call to the pastoral 
office. Thus, Mr. Bernard, at the close of a faithful 
and successful ministry, rendered his greatest services 
to the church by securing, as his successor in the 
pastoral office, this noble man of God. He was 
instrumental, under God, in bringing to Norristown 
one who no doubt did more than any other man has 



^O HISTORY OF THE 



ever done to mould the life and character of its people, 
in accordance with a high and divine pattern. 

Early in April, 1841, Mr. Aaron, accompanied by 
his wife and his daughter Martha, came to Norristown 
and assumed, at once, the duties of his new charge as 
pastor of the church, at the same time conducting a 
school, at first in the mansion-house of Hon. Burd 
Wilson, and later in the Norristown Academy. 

The moulding influence of Mr. Aaron's mind and 
heart was soon manifest along all lines of Christian 
activity in the church, and of moral reform in the 
community. In the Central Union Association he 
was, from the first, a recognized leader in all the 
deliberations of the body. At its session, held with 
the Norristown Church, the spring that Mr. Aaron 
became pastor there, he was made moderator,- and his 
hand is known to have shaped the resolution on 
slavery, that elicited an animated and prolonged 
discussion, which was long remembered as the chief 
event of the session. The preamble and resolutions 
read as follows: "Whereas, a large portion of the 
Baptists of the United States of America do directly 
or indirectly sanction the system of American slavery ; 
and, whereas, this system aims, both by law and 
usage, to make an enslaved brother man as nearly as 
possible a valuable article of property, inflicting the 
severest punishment on anyone unwilling to become 
such, thus perpetrating a shocking outrage on what 
every man feels to be his natural rights, and prevent- 
ing a human being from knowing and honouring God 
according to the dictates of conscience and the terms 



FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH. 7 1 

of the Gospel ; and, whereas, the Great Head of the 
Church has affirmed his followers to be the light of 
the world, and ordained them his witnesses 'till the 
end of time : therefore, resolved, That we do 
hereby, in obedience to our L,ord and Saviour, being 
accountable to him alone for our motives and conduct, 
bear our solemn testimony against American slavery 
as a sin ; and that we warn and implore all Baptists 
to clear themselves, by open confession and repentance 
in the sight of God and men, of all participation in 
this great national crime. ' ' 

The resolution was first laid on the table, and 
afterwards called up and settled by thirty- one votes 
in the affirmative and twelve in the negative. Other 
important measures enacted at this meeting were the 
following : " That we regard the organization of the 
American Baptist Publication Society as an era in 
the history of our denomination that calls for devout 
thankfulness to God, and that we recommend it to 
the enlarged liberality and fervent prayers of all our 
churches ; that we recommend to the churches the 
' Baptist Record,' published in Philadelphia, and the 
'Christian Reflector,' published in Worcester, Mass., 
as worthy of patronage. ' ' 

The Norristown letter to the association spoke of 
"the Sabbath school as a favorite and famed nursery 
of the church, to which a number of the worthiest 
members had devoted themselves with fervid and 
long enduring zeal and charity. ' ' It declared that ' l the 
church is in principle opposed to the use of intoxica- 
ting drinks, and would surely discipline a dram 



72 HISTORY OF THE 



drinking or dram selling member, and commend the 
same rule to their brethern. They believe that the 
saints are not their own, but bought with a price, and 
that their personal service and their substance should 
be unreservedly devoted to the real cause of God, so as to 
give a translated Bible and the Gospel, through a pious 
ministry, to every human soul, as well as consolation 
and aid to saints in affliction, poverty and bondage." 

Although Pastor Aaron's time was so largely 
occupied with his school and with many public affairs, 
he still gave much attention to the spiritual and 
financial interests of his church. Upon his recom- 
mendation six persons were chosen, whose duty it 
should be, in conjunction with the pastor and deacons, 
to attend to cases of discipline, seek out delinquent 
members, and endeavor to promote the spirituality of 
the church. 

October 8, 1842, the church proceeded to elect 
four additional deacons. The election resulted in the 
choice of Thomas Scattergood, B. F. Hancock, Wm. 
White, and John McCrea. The church followed the 
apostolic order, in the setting apart of these deacons 
formally by the laying on of hands and prayer. 
Brethren from other churches were invited to assist in 
the ordination services, which consisted of a sermon, 
prayer and charge to the newly elected officials. 

There had been, all along, some difficulty in raising 
sufficient money to defray the necessary expenses of 
the church ; so, on March 12, 1842, a resolution was 
passed, declaring "it to be the indispensable duty of 
every member of the church to contribute something 



FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH. 73 

toward defraying the expenses of keeping up divine 
worship in our meeting house and the expenses incident 
thereto." And the ensuing August, the trustees 
enacted the following : u The president shall appoint 
a suitable person collector, whose duty it shall be to 
collect the pew rents, and such other money as shall 
be required of him by the board of trustees, or the 
church, and from time to time, as collector, pay the 
same over to the treasurer and take his receipt there- 
for, and whenever required by the board of trustees, 
or the pew committee, he shall exhibit to them 
his books for settlement or otherwise. " It was also 
voted " that the collector shall be entitled to receive 
five per cent, of all moneys by him collected and paid 
over to the treasurer. " These business like methods 
of managing that very delicate and difficult matter of 
church finance reflect great credit upon those who 
enacted them. 

Owing to Pastor Aaron's numerous and exacting 
duties outside the church, in connection with his 
academy, it was resolved, finally, to invite Rev. I. N. 
Hobart, who had been recently ordained to the 
ministry, to become assistant pastor, and that he be 
paid two hundred and fifty dollars per annum. Rev. 
Hmerson Andrews, an evangelist, also rendered val- 
uable assistance during a protracted meeting. 

In the meantime, Mr. Aaron's popularity and 
success as a teacher became so great that in 1844 he 
undertook the building and founding of Treemount 
Seminary. This great work required his attention so 
constantly that in June he asked the church to release 



74 HISTORY OF THE 



him from the pastoral office, which they reluctantly 
consented to do. 

During this pastorate of three years, eighty-seven 
were added to the church by baptism and forty-three 
by letter. 

The spiritual interests, in the midst of many trying 
circumstances, seem to have been fairly well sustained, 
yet there were times of lamentable declension, as is 
evident from the following letter to the association in 
May, 1844: "This church speaks of their religious 
state as being languid and unfruitful. They say that 
many of the converts of past days seem, to a fearful 
extent, wedded to the world. A few humble brethren 
and sisters are regular in their attendance at the 
prayer meeting, but those assembling seem to languish 
under the blighted faith and chilled affections of the 
mass. The congregations on the Sabbath, however, 
are large, and the outward attention to the Word all 
that could be desired." 

Mr. Aaron remained an active and influential 
member of the Norristown Church until he removed 
to Mount Holly, N. J., in 1859. Among the active 
members at this time were Phinehas Phillips, S. D. 
Phillips, Thomas Shaw, Thomas Scattergood, Joseph 
Abraham, Abner Supplee, Jacob Cauffman, B. F. 
Hancock, Eli G. McCarter, Charles Pugh, Geo. W. 
Thomas, John Dykes, Charles Slingluff and Isaac 
Eastburn. 

At this time much attention was given to the 
discussion of questions of moral reform, in the sessions 
of the Central Union Association ; so much so, that 



FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH. 75 

matters pertaining to the spiritual interests were some- 
times neglected. This fact led to the calling of a special 
session of the association, to meet with the Norristown 
Church, November 26 and 27, 1844, to adjust these 
matters. After prolonged and animated discussion, 
the following resolutions were adopted: "That no 
question of moral reform shall hereafter be discussed 
by this body more than one hour, during its session, 
and that no speaker shall occupy more than ten 
minutes ;" " That no resolution shall be recorded as 
the sense of this association, on any moral subject, 
unless sustained by a vote of two-thirds of the mem- 
bers present ;" "That a committee be appointed, at 
the commencement of each future session, so to 
arrange the devotional exercises as to occupy all the 
time not really needful for the business of the associ- 
ation ;" "That this association hereafter act as a 
Domestic Missionary Society." This last resolution 
was the entering wedge that afterward separated a part 
of the association from the missionary union. 




I. N. HOBART 
Pastor from June, 1844, to July, 1846. 



CHAPTER VII. 



Pastorate of Rev. I. N. Hobart to that of Rev. Hiram 
Hutchins — June, 1844, to March, 1847. 



On the twelfth of January, 1845, ^ ev - !• N. 
Hobart was unanimously elected pastor to succeed 
Mr. Aaron. Mr. Hobart had been acting pastor for 
a year prior to this. 

In August of this year, the trustees were author- 
ized to purchase a piece of ground for a cemetery and 
mortgage the church property for the payment of the 
same. They accordingly purchased of Rev. Samuel 
Aaron two acres of ground, on Sandy street, adjoining 
the borough line, for $600.00. At the suggestion of 
Mr. Aaron the graveyard was named Treemount 
Cemetery. It was then enclosed with a fence, planted 
with trees and made ready for use. It shows the 
high regard the church had for the Phillips family 
that the trustees were instructrd to select and present 
to Phinehas Phillips one of the best lots in the 
cemetery. 

An important action, at this time, was the intro- 
duction by Mr. Hancock, and the adoption by the 
church, of a series of resolutions to make the church 
pews free, and to raise the necessary funds, for the 
support of the church, by voluntary contributions. 
The following was the estimate of the ordinary 



8o HISTORY OF THE 



expenses of the church for the year 1846 : Pastor's 
salary, $500; fuel and lights, $70; sexton's salary, 
$60; Sabbath schools, #40; interest money, $90; 
contingencies, $40; total, $800. To the cause of 
missions, whether at home or abroad, and that of 
ministerial education, and to such other objects of 
Christian beneficence as were attracting attention, the 
church gave its sympathies and material support. 

The first Lord's Day in each month was appro- 
priated to missions, and a collection taken each 
evening for the work. 

During this pastorate the slavery question was 
paramount in the minds of the people. Applications 
were made, from time to time, by the Anti- Slavery 
Society of Pennsylvania, for the use of the church for 
their regular meetings. These applications were duly 
considered, but, although there was a strong anti- 
slavery sentiment among a majority of the members, 
no formal vote favorable to granting the requests 
could yet be secured. Meetings in the interest of the 
abolition cause continued to be held, however, from 
time to time. The Baptist church alone, in Norris- 
town, would open its house for the discussion of the 
slavery question. On this subject, as on that of tem- 
perance, the church was far in advance of the times. 
All the pastors, thus far, had been radical reformers 
and fearless advocates of the true principles of 
morality, liberty and sobriety. No one doubted where 
the Baptist church would stand upon the two great 
issues of anti- slavery and temperance. The large 
majority could be counted on to take the noble stand 



FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH. 



demanded alike by morality and Christianity, and to 
maintain it in the face of bitter opposition and cruel 
insult. Public agitators of these issues occasionally 
took advantage of the church's known pronounced 
position and sometimes injured the cause they sought 
to advance by intemperate speech and rabid denuncia- 
tion of those who differed from them in any way, as 
is shown by the following letter of Mr. Hobart: "At 
the time of my pastorate, 1844-46, public attention, in 
the free states, was largely drawn to the subject of 
slavery. There were, however, but two churches of 
our denomination in Eastern Pennsylvania that were 
out-spoken. These were Norristown and Radnor. 
In Norristown a large majority of the church favored 
opening the doors of the meeting house to anti-slavery 
speakers, and the minority yielded very gracefully. 
But those favoring it sometimes found their courtesy 
and kindness — and themselves — much abused. It is 
remembered that a certain lecturer asked the use of 
the house for an anti- slavery address, on a certain 
Sabbath afternoon. The request was granted. The 
lecturer came with whip and spurs. The church and 
ministry were the chosen point of attack. After cen- 
suring and rebuking, and finding almost all manner of 
faults with the church and ministry generally, all else 
were dropped and the Baptist church in Norristown, 
in particular was taken up. We were lashed and 
gored in front and rear, and on either side, in the most 
merciless manner, as though we were sinners above 
all men dwelling in Pennsylvania, or anywhere else, 
in Christendom or out of it. This done the speaker 



82 HISTORY OF THE 



had the unblushing impudence to ask the use of the 
house for further lectures. But, while the church and 
pastor, in respect to their anti- slavery sentiment and 
convictions, were far in advance of the church and 
ministry generally, they were not so destitute of true 
manliness and self-respect as to brook the insult, and 
decidedly refused the request." 

At each annual session of the association, a heated 
discussion arose over the question of human bondage. 
The following was the usual form of resolution 
adopted : Resolved, that, in the opinion of this 
association, American slavery is a flagrant violation 
of the moral precepts of the Gospel of Christ, and, 
therefore, ought not to be tolerated in a Christian 
church, and that we earnestly entreat all Christians, 
and especially all Baptists, to have no participation 
in this sin, and to enter their solemn protest against it. 

This pastorate was not marked by many conver- 
sions. Only two baptisms are reported. It seems 
to have been a time of pruning, rather than of reap- 
ing. At a single church meeting sixty members were 
disciplined, and twenty-two were excluded or dropped. 
The membership was reduced from three hundred and 
thirty-nine, in 1843, to two hundred and thirty-eight, 
in 1847, a l° ss °f one hundred and one members in 
four years. 

The letters to the association, in 1845 an( ^ 1846, 
sound disheartening notes of lamentation over the 
general spiritual declension. "No special outpouring 
of the Holy Spirit has been enjoyed. Have nothing 
to deplore but a want of likeness to our vital Head, 



FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH. 8$ 

and lack of engagedness in His services. It would 
afford us pleasure if in this, our annual epistle, we 
could mention the revival of God's work among us. 
This we cannot do. We trust there are some among 
us who pray for the peace of Jerusalem ; for the pros- 
perity of Zion. Still we have occasion to humble 
ourselves before God, and deplore, with the deepest 
self-abasement, our want of love to him, and our want 
of zeal in his cause." 

This was a season of unusual barrenness, through- 
out the churches. The Norristown Church reported 
only two baptisms during the four years of '44, '45, 
'46 and '47. In 1846, seventeen churches of the 
Central Union Association reported but sixty-two 
baptisms, the smallest number in the history of the 
association. In 1843 they had reported four hundred 
and forty-five baptisms. 

On Sunday morning, June 28, 1846, Mr. Hobart 
read his resignation as pastor, but, at the request of 
the church, he continued as supply until his successor 
was chosen. 

Rev. I. N. Hobart, D.D., was born in Lynn, N. H., 
February 20, 181 2. He was converted in 1831, and 
baptized the same year. He was ordained to the 
Gospel ministry August 12, 1841, at Radnor, Pa., and 
was pastor of the Radnor Baptist Church from this 
date to October, 1844, when he resigned to accept the 
call to Norristown, as the successor of Rev. Samuel 
Aaron. Owing to impaired health, he resigned this 
charge in 1846, and soon after returned to New Eng- 
land, and for about two years remained without 



84 HISTORY OF THE 



pastoral charge. He labored in several fields in New 
England and New York, until 1868, when he was 
appointed, by the Home Mission Society, to take 
charge of its work in Illinois. Subsequently he 
became district secretary for the States of Illinois, 
Iowa and Wisconsin. Dr. Hobart was a man of 
marked self-devotion and administrative ability. He 
was a valued and intimate friend of Mr. Aaron, 
through whose influence he came to Norristown, first 
as assistant and afterwards as full pastor. Doctor 
Hobart was much attached, also, to the Norristown 
Church. In writing of his labors there, forty years 
afterward, he speaks of B. F. Hancock, Phinehas and 
S. D. Phillips, Thomas Scattergood, Joseph Abraham, 
Abner Supplee, Thomas Shaw, George W. Thomas, 
George Eve, William White, John McCrea, Samuel 
Morton, J. D. McVaugh and Alfred Scattergood as 
u a goodly company of excellent men." 

Dr. Hobart, like his immediate predecessor, was a 
radical reformer, and took a firm stand on the great 
issues of temperance, anti-slavery and u Free Mis- 
sions." 




Hiram Hutchins 

Pastor from March, 1847, to January, 1850. 



CHAPTER VIII. 



Pastorate of Rev. Hiram Hutchins to that of Rev. W. 
Cornwell — March, 1847, to November, 1850. 



The committee appointed to look out a suitable 
person for pastor, after diligent and faithful search, 
recommended Rev. Hiram Hutchins, of Richfield, 
N. Y. , who visited the church and preached with 
much acceptance, and on the twelfth of November, 
1846, was unanimously elected to the pastorate. He 
proved to be one of the most popular and successful 
pastors in the history of the church. He was in per- 
fect accord with the views of Mr. Aaron and those of 
the church, in relation to evangelistic work and all 
questions of moral reform. Mr. Hutchins assumed 
his charge in March, 1847, an( ^ became at once an 
indefatigable and persevering laborer. 

The old question of renting the house of worship 
for the annual meetings of the Eastern Anti- slavery 
Society came up again, and on the twelfth of June, 
after a long discussion, it was finally voted to grant 
the request of the society, upon their payment of one 
hundred and twenty-five dollars rental, and on the 
condition that the church reserve the right to rescind 
the grant at any time after the first meeting. 



HISTORY OF THE 



The society's anniversaries were held here for 
three years. These meetings were largely attended, 
and were the occasion of many stirring and exciting 
scenes. Such celebrated abolitionists as Wendell 
Philips, Wm. LJoyd Garrison and Frederick Douglass 
were among the speakers who came from a distance. 
These noted and eloquent anti-slavery leaders con- 
firmed and greatly strengthened the already strong 
anti-slavery sentiment in the community. They 
served, at the same time, to incite the violent opposi- 
tion of the pro-slavery portion of the community, 
who threatened to burn the house down, if such men 
as Phillips, Garrison and Douglass were allowed to 
speak there ; but the church, nothing daunted by 
these threats of violence, continued to throw wide 
open its doors, and to stand firm for the truth, loyal 
to God and humanity. 

Norristown was one of the stations on the line of 
the underground railroad. Prominent among the 
agents in charge of this route were Rev. Samuel 
Aaron, Pastor Hutchins and other members of the 
Baptist church. The number of fugitives who 
passed through Norristown, assisted by their friends, 
increased from year to year, as many as twelve or 
fifteen being sometimes concealed within the town at 
one time. Owing to the bitter animosity against 
abolitionists, upon the part of a large number of the 
citizens, those who made active efforts in behalf of the 
fugitives had to incur general denunciation and social 
ostracism. Malignant threats were frequently made. 
These were not often carried into effect, however. 



FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH. 



The nearest approach to a mob demonstration was the 
stoning of the Baptist church, during a session of one 
of the anniversaries of the Anti-slavery Society, which 
was held there. The meeting was broken up and the 
most intense excitement followed. 

This church was the only building in the town in 
which these meetings could be held, while the 
anti-slavery agitation was at its height. ' Among the 
interesting incidents in the anti-slavery movement, 
in which the Baptist church participated, was that of 
Henry Brown, or Henry (Box) Brown, as he was called. 
He was a slave in Richmond, who conceived the plan 
of securing his freedom by having himself boxed up 
and sent to Philadelphia as merchandise. With the 
aid of his friends, the plan was successfully carried 
out. The box reached Philadelphia at twelve o'clock 
at night, when those who had been appointed to 
receive it were in waiting. Brown had kept himself 
alive by means of water which he had in a sack, some 
crackers, and a gimlet with which he could let in 
more air as needed. Theo. Bean says that, after his 
arrival in Philadelphia, he was taken to Norristown, 
where an anti-slavery meeting was being held in the 
Baptist church. Here Brown, with his box and all 
his outfit, was exhibited. Then he took the under- 
ground railroad to Canada. 

Through all these thrilling and exciting incidents 
and scenes, Pastor Hutchins was a trusted and valued 
counselor and a fearless and efficient leader, not only 
among the Baptists, but among all the more aggressive 
advocates of social and moral reform in Norristown 



90 HISTORY OF THE 



and vicinity. He stood shoulder to shoulder with Mr. 
Aaron, who was the distinguished champion of 
emancipation in the county. 

An outgrowth of the rapidly growing anti-slavery 
sentiment among Northern Baptists was the formation, 
in 1843, °f the Free Mission Society. The more 
radical of the Baptist abolitionists had long opposed 
the policy of the Missionary Union, in receiving 
directly or indirectly, the avails of slavery to prosecute 
missionary work. The chief plank in their platform 
of principles was, "We solemnly pledge ourselves to 
God and one another to unite in the support of a 
Baptist Missionary Society, that shall be distinctly 
and thoroughly separated from all connection with 
the known avails of slavery, in the support of any of 
its benevolent purposes. ' ' 

The Free Mission Society continued as a separate 
organization for nearly thirty years. It was instru- 
mental in establishing foreign missions in Hayti, 
Japan, Burmah and Africa, and home missions in the 
West and South. They founded. McGrawville College, 
in New York, and aided in establishing Iceland 
University, at New Orleans. The society was served 
by many cultured and forcible speakers and writers. 
Most of its members were among the foremost pro- 
moters of temperance. They opposed secret societies 
and the use of the title " Reverend," among Christian 
ministers. 

Mr. Hutchins was known to be in hearty accord 
with this movement. Indeed, this. was one of the 
reasons why he was called to the pastorate of the 



FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH. 9 1 

Norristown Church. So, in their letter to the Central 
Union Association, during the first year of his minis- 
try, they write, " Believing that some of the principles 
on which the American Baptist Missionary Union is 
founded are repugnant to the principles of the 
Baptist denomination and to the Word of God, they 
withhold their contributions for missionary purposes, 
and give them to the world through the American 
Baptist Free Mission Society." 

The Norristown Church had, before this, however, 
manifested its hostility to what they regarded as an 
unholy alliance and needless co-operation of the 
denomination's Foreign Missionary Society with slave 
holding interests in the South. Because of their 
withdrawal from the Missionary Union, many of the 
brethren of the denomination regarded the Norristown 
Church as schismatic and disloyal. The matter 
elicited frequent and warm discussion, at the sessions 
of the Central Union Association. Resolutions of 
commendation were offered in 1844 and 1845, both by 
the friends of the regular missionary societies of the 
denomination and by the adherents of the Free Mission 
Society and its organs. But, after protracted discus- 
sion, each of these resolutions was laid on the table. 
Owing to the rule requiring a two- thirds vote to pass 
any such measure, neither party could secure the 
necessary majority, consequently, neither the regularly 
constituted organization, nor the Free Mission Society, 
received the indorsement of the association. The 
association remained divided upon the question until 
1872, when, the war having rendered needless the 



g2 HISTORY OF THE 



existence of the Free Mission Society, it was voted 
to suspend its operations, except so far as was necessary 
to execute trusts and perpetuate legacies. At first only 
four churches, Norristown, Phoenixville, Radnor and 
Bast Nantmeal, withheld their contributions from the 
regular society and gave them to the Free Mission 
Society. A few more were added to these later. The 
Norristown Church continued to support the society 
as long as it existed. It is only fair to add that, after 
1868, they contributed also to each of the other 
benevolent societies of the denomination. 

In May, 1848, the Central Union Association 
held its sixteenth annual session in Norristown. 
B. F. Hancock was moderator, and the circular letter 
was prepared by Rev. Mr. Hutchins. It was a strong 
appeal to the churches on the subject of moral reform. 
The principal evils, which he denounced in emphatic 
terms, were covetousness, Sabbath breaking, rum 
selling, worldly conformity and slavery. 

One of the signs of prosperity, during this ministry, 
was the erection, on Airy Street, of a parsonage, at 
a cost of sixteen hundred dollars. This was a much 
needed improvement. The sale of this property, 
some years later, was a great mistake, upon the part 
of the trustees. 

An effort was also made, at this time, to put a 
baptistry in the church, and a committee was appointed 
to inquire into the propriety and expediency of the 
same. A resolution offered by Mr. Aaron was passed, 
adding one hundred dollars to the pastor's salary. 



FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH. 93 

That considerable attention was paid to the matter 
of church attendance is shown from the fact that six- 
teen persons were disciplined at one time, for neglecting 
to attend the regular services. 

Special efforts were made to promote the spiritual 
welfare of the church, and overcome the declension 
and depression of the preceding years. Evangelists 
and neighboring pastors were invited, at different 
times, to assist Pastor Hutchins, and the church 
enjoyed some precious seasons of revival. On March 
11, 1849, twenty-five persons were baptized on a 
single Sunday ; but only three others were baptized 
during the entire year. There were seventy-four 
additions to the church, during this pastorate : forty- 
six by baptism, and twenty-eight by letter. 

The church sustained a heavy loss in the death of 
three prominent members, Dr. George W. Thomas, 
Deacon George Eve and Deacon Phinehas Phillips. Dr. 
Thomas was a good man and a great worker. Deacon 
George Eve was a valued member in the devotional 
meetings, being very spiritual, and gifted in prayer 
and exhortation. Phinehas Phillips was one of the 
founders of the church, a liberal giver, and a man of 
eminent piety. He was much devoted to the doctrine 
of the Second Coming of Christ. For many years he 
served upon every important committee, and filled, 
at different times, nearly every office in the church. 
The building of the first house of worship, and many 
subsequent improvements, were made possible largely 
by his munificence. His noble spirit and lofty Chris- 
tian bearing won for him the esteem and confidence of 



94 HISTORY OF THE 



all his brethren. He lived a most exemplary Christian 
life, and came to the grave in a good old age, as a 
shock of corn in its season. In accordance with his 
own request, he was buried on his farm in Upper 
Merion. 

The First Baptist Church of Norristown has been 
influential, not only in the way of moulding public 
sentiment, but has also been instrumental in estab- 
lishing other churches. On the ninth of March, 
1850, nine persons received letters of dismission for 
the purpose of forming a Baptist church at Bridgeport. 
Those dismissed for this purpose were Rev. William 
Smith, Sarah Ann Smith, Sylvester Makens, Susannah 
Makens, William B. Crow, Catharine Thomas, Mary 
Matilda Smith, Mary Carter and Mary Harris. The 
mother church showed a magnanimous spirit, toward 
this first offspring, by contributing three hundred 
dollars to the new enterprise this year. 

After the departure of Mr. Hutchins from Norris- 
town, Mr. Aaron supplied the pulpit for a time. It 
was fortunate indeed to have such a man to call on 
during the interim of pastorates. A teacher in 
Treemount Seminary, Rev. John Duer, also supplied 
occasionally. There was a good number of conver- 
sions, at this time, of persons who afterwards became 
very active in the church. Twenty-five were baptized 
on a single Sunday morning by Mr. Aaron. 




Second Church Edifice 



" FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH. 97 

The long contemplated improvements in the 
house of worship were now undertaken. S. D. 
Phillips and B. F. Hancock were appointed a com- 
mittee to superintend the same. A well-known 
architect, Thomas U. Walter, of Philadelphia, was 
engaged to furnish suitable designs. These repairs 
and improvements were quite expensive, and included 
an entire new front, with a cupola about one hundred 
feet high. A baptistry was also built in the edifice, 
and the whole exterior and interior were improved in 
a very tasteful and proper manner. The expense of 
this was largely paid for by the bequest of Deacon 
Phinehas Phillips. 

The church meeting of November 4, 1850, is 
memorable for the adoption of a set of resolutions, 
declaring in strong terms against the Fugitive Slave 
Law, just then enacted by Congress, as a part of 
Henry Clay's omnibus bill. The resolutions were 
proposed by Mr. Aaron and read as follows : ' 'Resolved, 
That we as Christians and members of the Norristown 
Baptist Church do solemnly believe that the provisions 
of the bill lately enacted by Congress for the recovery 
of fugitive slaves are contradictory of the command 
of Jehovah, 'thou shalt not deliver unto his master 
the servant which escaped from his master unto 
thee. ' Resolved, That, in commanding us to assist in 
re- enslaving the person who has escaped from slavery, 
it commands us to do to others as we would not that 
they should do to us, and thus positively contradicts 
the L,ord Jesus Christ. Resolved, Therefore, that we 
will obey God rather than men, hide the outcast, 



HISTORY OF THE 



betray not him that wandereth, feed the hungry, 
clothe the naked fugitive and speed him on his way 
to freedom, and, for ourselves, cheerfully bear the 
penalties that human statutes may impose for the 
performance of the duties that we owe to God and to 
our neighbor. ' ' 

These are strong, vigorous words, and showed the 
intense feeling and deep patriotic sentiment of the 
church at that time. Nor were they simply resolu- 
tions enacted and then unheeded and forgotten. The 
same brave men, who, by their voice and vote dared 
to say to the United States Congress, as the Apostles 
said to the Jewish Sanhedrin, "Whether it be right in 
the sight of God to hearken unto you more than unto 
God, judge ye," had the moral courage, also, to make 
their words effectual in actual deeds. Many a poor 
dusky fugitive, fleeing from an inhuman bondage, 
was given an asylum and hurried on to freedom by 
the members of this patriotic church. 

Early in January, 1850, Mr. Hutchins resigned 
the pastorate to accept a call to Charlestown, Mass. 

Excepting Mr. Aaron, with whom he was closely 
identified, Mr. Hutchins was probably the most 
vigorous and outspoken advocate of freedom in 
Norristown, during these years. His position, on 
the issues of the age, was deemed by many radical 
and extreme. But none doubted his sincerity and 
few could resist his logic. The pure doctrines of 
evangelical Christianity he held with a firm grasp. He 
taught that the Gospel, brought face to face with the 
public conscience, would prove itself to be that which 



FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH. 99 

it professes — the great power of God in purifying the 
churches and the nation. Hence he had no sympathy 
with the doctrine of many modern reformers, that 
Christ's death was only a sublime example of self- 
sacrifice. He saw in it something higher, more 
inspiring, something deeper, something far better 
adapted to touch the heart and stir the soul. He 
loved the person of Christ and cordially admired His 
precepts and exhorted men to copy His example. 
But of all subjects, the one most dear to him, most 
constraining in its influence, was His atoning blood. 
A course of sermons which he preached on the 
necessity and nature of the atonement was considered 
by Mr. Aaron and the church as containing the 
key-note of all reform. In these discourses the 
opinion was expressed that the first want of the age 
was a return to the old, simple and sharply defined 
doctrines of the evangelical system, while the second 
was a bold, unflinching application of them to all 
transgressors of God's law. Their vitalizing power 
would then be known and felt by all. Slavery, 
intemperance, rationalism and infidelity would, in the 
face of such assaults, be paralyzed and wither away. 
The moral conquests that have been made, however 
small, have, from the time of the Apostles till now, 
been made by men who drank in deeply the spirit of 
evangelical truth. If men not of this class have 
been successful, they have been made so by the use 
of evangelical weapons. You look in vain for the 
victories of rationalists, evolutionists, scientists, over 
irreligion and all the forms of evil that have, and do 



OO HISTORY OF THE 



still, afflict our world. But there is an everlasting 
freshness and vitality in "the old, old story " of the 
Cross, and, rightly preached, it is still effectual in 
removing all wrong. Of course, a church, energized 
by such principles, is a progressive and aggressive 
body. The members are transformed gradually by 
the spirit of Christ, and, with such "a fire in their 
bones, ' ' they cannot be inactive, but must labor to 
bring souls to Christ, and they will be "zealous of 
good works. ' ' 

Mr. Hutchins served but two churches, after 
leaving Norristown. From Charlestown he went to 
Brooklyn, and was pastor of the Bedford Avenue 
Church for thirty-one years. He was then made 
pastor emeritus until his death. 




W. E. CORNWELL 
Pastor from November, 1850, to June, 1852. 



CHAPTER IX. 



Pastorate of Rev. W. E. Corn well to that of Rev. Roswell 
Cheney — November, 1850, to July, 1854. 



On the first of December, 1850, Rev. William B. 
Corn well, who had been preaching for the church for 
a month, was engaged as stated supply for a period 
of six months. Mr. Corn well had been a minister in 
the German Reformed denomination for a number of 
years, and had lately accepted the Baptist view of the 
Bible doctrine and church ordinances. A council was 
called for his ordination as a Baptist minister, on 
December 25, 1850. Upon the convening of the 
council, Mr. Corn well gave a satisfactory statement of 
his conversion and call to the ministry, also his view 
of Bible doctrine and his change of views concerning 
baptism and church government. After hearing him, 
the council unanimously agreed to ordain him as a 
regular minister of the Baptist denomination. 

The way in which Mr. Cornwell became a Baptist 
is related by Rev. W. B. Tolan, as follows : " While 
Mr. Cornwell was pastor of the Reformed Church at 
Pleasantville, Pa., the Baptists were gathering in the 
people around them and, fearing lest they should lose 
some of their own members, they requested him to 



lo4 HISTORY OF THE 



preach on the subject of baptism and defend their side. 
He wisely told them not to agitate that matter, as it 
would do them no good, but they insisted upon it, and 
he finally told them that he must have time to give the 
subject a thorough examination, that he might speak 
intelligently on it and set forth the truth in its proper 
light. About this time he became acquainted with 
Brother Smith, pastor of the Baptist Church at Hat- 
boro, and he loaned him Dr. Carson's work on 
baptism. By a thorough search of the Scriptures, 
Mr. Cornwell became convinced that he was wrong, 
that sprinkling had no place in the word of God, and 
that the Baptists were right. When he came before 
the church to preach on the subject, he said : ( you 
have demanded that I preach on the subject of bap- 
tism, and I am here to answer your request, but, after 
a prayerful and thorough search for the truth, I am 
obliged to take the Baptist side of the question. ' 
When he made this announcement, one of the elders 
jumped up and said, ' My God, Mr. Cornwell, I hope 
not. ' He replied ' it is so,' and he set forth the truth 
in its true light. Then he resigned and left them, 
and was baptized by Brother Smith, at Hatboro. " 

He continued as supply of the Norristown church 
until July 20, 1851, when he formally accepted the 
invitation, which had been extended him in March, 
to become regular pastor. 

The second Tuesday in November, of this year, 
having been designated as a day of fasting, by the 
Central Union Association, it was so observed by the 
Norristown church. 



FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH. I05 

On the fourteenth of December, 185 1, Uriah 
Cauffman, having stated to the pastor his conviction 
of a call to preach the Gospel, it was unanimously 
voted to grant him a license. He then settled with 
the church at Mt. Pleasant, Ambler, Pa., where he 
was ordained. 

On the fifth of January, 1852, Deacon Benjamin 
F. Hancock, who for some time had not been in 
sympathy with the majority of the members in their 
strong, anti- slavery views, expressed his desire to 
withdraw from the church. His request was granted, 
and, as is unusual among Baptist churches, he and 
his wife were given general letters of dismission to 
any Baptist church. His resignation of the super- 
intendency of the Sunday school was also accepted at 
the same time. Mr. Hancock's withdrawal from the 
church was one of those unfortunate things which 
sometimes occur in the history of almost all churches, 
when a member, for personal, social, or political 
reasons, severs his connection with a church where 
he has been very useful. Mr. Hancock was now 
fifty-three years of age. He had been superintendent 
of the Sunday school from its organization. In the 
church he had been a valuable member. He had 
served faithfully and efficiently as trustee, deacon and 
church treasurer, for years. Many of the most 
important measures adopted were planned and pro- 
posed by him. He was loved by his pastors and 
respected and esteemed by all. 

Mr. Hancock remained without church connection 
for a time, and then united with the Bridgeport 



io6 HISTORY OF THE 



interest. Here he became a leader, the Sunday 
school superintendent, and a valuable counselor and 
devoted worker, until his death, which occurred in 
1865, at the age of sixty-six. 

As there were now two vacancies in the board of 
deacons, George W. Iyloyd and Benjamin Eastburn 
were elected, and publicly set apart to that office, the 
pastor preaching a sermon appropriate to the occasion. 

March 14, 1852, Charles B. Aaron was baptized, 
and the next month elected to the office of clerk. Up 
to this time the office had been filled by S. D. Philips 
and Alfred Scattergood. 

June twentieth, of this year, Pastor Cornwell 
tendered his resignation, which was accepted, with 
the request that he continue his labors as long as it 
may suit his convenience, but he removed at once to 
Bridgeton, N. J., where he had received a call, and 
where he labored with great acceptance for years. 

Mr. Cornwell's pastorate was not, in all respects, 
a successful one, but he was a good man and a 
thorough-going Baptist, more pronounced than many 
who had not been educated in the Pedobaptist faith. 
He was also very strong in his anti-slavery convictions. 
He died at the age of fifty, mourned by a devoted 
family and many warm friends in the denomination. 

An effort was now made to induce Rev. Hiram 
Hutchins, whose great popularity in Norristown had 
not waned, to return to this field. He expressed a 
strong desire to do so, but felt that duty demanded 
that he remain with his church in Charlestown, Mass. 
In October, the church, by a rising vote, decided 



FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH. I07 

unanimously to call Rev. Duncan Dunbar, of New 
York city, who had been proposed by Mr. Aaron. 
Upon being notified of this call, Mr. Dunbar stated 
that circumstances rendered it impossible for him to 
accept, but that he would be willing to serve them 
as supply, for a time. The church was instructed to 
invite him to come as early as possible and remain as 
long as convenient. He supplied the pulpit for about 
six mouths, for which he received seventy dollars per 
month. 

The Rev. Duncan Dunbar was a Scotchman, and 
over sixty years of age, at this time. He was con- 
verted at the age of nineteen. After his conversion, 
for a considerable period, he was greatly exercised 
upon the Scriptural mode and subjects of baptism. 
At length his mind found rest in the adoption of 
believer's baptism. He came to America in 1823, an( ^ 
was pastor of important churches in Boston and New 
York city. He also had a brief, but successful 
ministry, with the Second Church, of Philadelphia. 
As a preacher, Mr. Dunbar was earnest, sympathetic, 
and full of spiritual life. In his long ministry he had 
abundant evidence of the blessing of God. He died 
in 1864. 

When Mr. Dunbar found that he could no longer 
stay with the church as supply, they undertook to 
secure at once a regular pastor. The name of Rev. 
Hiram Hutchins was again proposed, and on Sunday 
morning, May 1, 1853, the church voted with almost 
entire unanimity — so great w T as the charm of that 
name — to extend him a call. But this second attempt 



HISTORY OF THE 



to induce hi in to return to Norristown was also 
unsuccessful. Mr. Hutchins, while appreciating the 
continued esteem of the Norristown church, felt it 
his duty to remain in Charlestown. The church 
there also wrote a letter, giving their reasons for not 
being willing to part with their pastor. 

Joseph B. Sagebeer, having asked the church to 
grant him a license to preach the Gospel, a committee 
was appointed to interview him, and after their report, 
on June sixth, the church voted unanimously, and 
with utmost heartiness, to grant the license. 

Mr. Sagebeer was baptized at the age of sixteen, 
by the Rev. Robert F. Young. He united with the 
Norristown church by letter, in 1845. ^ n x 856, three 
years after receiving his license, he was ordained at 
Balligomingo. He became an excellent preacher, 
persuasive and convincing. For an uninterrupted 
period of thirty-three years he was a faithful and 
successful minister of Christ. He died while pastor 
of the Coatesville church, June 5, 1890. 

The church, still being without a pastor, Rev. 
E. R. Warren was engaged as supply, at fifty dollars 
per month. The pulpit was also supplied by Rev. J. 
Newton Brown. 




ROSWELL CHENEY 
Pastor from July, 1854, to March, 1859. 



CHAPTER X. 



Pastorate of Rev. Roswell Cheney to that of Rev. Alfred 
Pinney — July, 1854, to June, i860. 



It was nearly two years after Mr. Corn well's 
resignation before a pastor was secured. Finally, 
on Sunday morning, the twenty-sixth of February, 
1854, the church, by a unanimous vote, decided to 
call Rev. Roswell Cheney, of Brie County, Pa., to 
the pastoral charge, which he formally accepted, on 
the third of July. His salary was fixed at #800 per 
annum, to be paid monthly. 

In April preceding, the church was asked to send 
delegates to meet in council, on the nineteenth of that 
month, to take into consideration the propriety of 
constituting the brethren at Cold Point an independent 
Baptist church. 

In this year, a very important resolution was 
passed, by which the church decided to contribute to 
the various benevolent objects of the day by regular 
collections, at stated times ; and that when agents 
visited Norristown they would be at liberty to see 
members personally, without receiving public col- 
lections in the church. 



112 HISTORY OF THE 



On the fourth of June, another deacon was chosen, 
in the person of Isaac Johnson, who had lately been 
received from Lower Providence. 

About this time there was some thought of 
removing the headquarters of the American Baptist 
Free Mission Society and its official organ, u The 
American Baptist," from New York city to some 
locality where there would be less dauger of lawless 
violence, and where they would be insured legal 
protection and hearty co-operation, and an effort was 
made by this church to have them locate in Norristown. 
Pastor Cheney submitted the following resolution : 
"That if, in the judgment of the trustees of the 
American Free Mission Society, a removal of the 
'American Baptist' and of the seat of the Society's 
operations be deemed necessary, we most cordially 
invite the society to make Norristown their place 
of publication and the headquarters of its future 
efforts, and we hereby pledge the society our earnest 
co-operation." The resolution was adopted, but the 
removal was never effected. 

The great panic of 1857 was now pending. There 
was general financial depression. The church, like 
other institutions, was greatly straitened to obtain 
means to meet its current obligations. A committee 
of ten persons was appointed to visit every member 
of the congregation to obtain voluntary contributions. 
This method of collecting proved remarkably success- 
ful, so that the church was enabled to meet all its 
ordinary obligations, and increase, somewhat, its 
offerings to benevolent objects. The total amount 



FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH. 113 

raised for benevolence, in 1855, was three hundred 
and forty-four dollars. Of this amount, two hundred 
and two dollars went to the Free Mission Society. 
In 1857, they raised four hundred and eighty-two 
dollars, the largest amount, thus far, in the history of 
the church. Of this, one hundred and ninety dollars 
was for the Free Mission Society. The membership, 
in this year, was two hundred and seventy-eight. 
The next year the offering for benevolence was four 
hundred and forty-seven dollars, and sixty dollars 
went to McGrawville College. This is the first time 
the church offering for education was distinctly 
designated for this institution. 

The college at McGrawville, N. Y. , was founded 
and maintained by the friends and advocates of 
abolition. It was undenominational in character, and 
was opened to students, irrespective of color or sex. 
For a number of years it was quite a prosperous 
institution. Several unsuccessful attempts were made, 
by the trustees, to secure Samuel Aaron for its 
president. 

On the question of using unfermented wine for 
the Lord's Supper, the Norristown church was quite 
as advanced as along other lines of reform. At this 
time, a committee was appointed, whose duty it 
should be to prepare the wine needed for communion 
purposes from the pure juice of the grape, thus 
putting themselves on record against the use of 
unfermented wine. Twenty-five years later, the 
question was much agitated, throughout the country, 
among many evangelical churches. The sentiment 



114 HISTORY OF THE 



became so strong against the alcoholic wine that 
nearly all churches adopted the use of unfermented 
wine. 

At a regular meeting of the church, held May 3, 
1858, delegates were appointed to meet in council, 
at Pottstown, Pa., May 26, 1858, to consider the 
propriety of recognizing the brethren there as an 
independent Baptist church. This new enterprise 
soon became a strong and influential church in the 
association. 

On Sunday morning, March 18, 1859, Mr. Cheney 
presented his resignation as pastor of the church. 
They voted, unanimously, not to accept it, and a 
committee was appointed to notify the pastor of the 
action, and to urge him to withdraw his resignation. 
In a formal reply, he expressed his appreciation of 
the esteem and confidence manifested in the cogency 
of their appeal to him to remain with the church, 
but he could not be induced to reverse his decision. 

Rev. Roswell Cheney was pastor of the church for 
nearly five years, and so had the distinction of having 
the longest pastorate of any one who had thus far 
served the church in that capacity. It was not only 
the longest, but, in some respects, the most successful 
and prosperous. True, there had been no great 
ingathering ; only about forty persons were received 
by baptism, during the five years of his ministry, and 
the church membership increased only from two 
hundred and fifty-four to two hundred and seventy- 
two, but it was a period of great unrest and 
disturbance throughout the country. The minds of 



FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH. 



the people, everywhere, were turned to the paramount 
issue of slavery, and the thoughts of all were upon 
the now impending and threatening war. Many, in 
such times, would become absorbed in the exciting 
affairs of the nation, and indifferent to spiritual 
interests ; yet, the body of the church remained 
faithful, and the fires of patriotism kept brightly 
burning. 

The offerings, both for home church expenses and 
benevolent objects, were larger and more uniform, 
during this pastorate, than at any previous period. 
Mr. Cheney was held in high esteem, by the church, 
and was greatly respected in the community. He 
was an able preacher, a safe leader, and a faithful 
pastor, and as devoted to his people as they were to 
him. In their letter to the association the brethren 
bore testimony to ' ' his remarkable simplicity, integ- 
rity, moral courage, humanity, able exposition of 
divine truths, advocacy of universal charity, and his 
deserved enjoyment of the respect and confidence of 
the church and community." 

The following brethren were active and prominent, 
during this pastorate : Samuel Aaron, S. D. Phillips, 
Benjamin Eastburn, John McCrea, Thomas Shaw, 
William White, Isaac Johnson, George Wright, D. J. 
and M. H. McVaugh, Thomas Scattergood, Isaac 
Styer, Samuel Overholtzer, Abner Supplee, Thomas 
D. Abraham, John G. Reese and others. A loss to 
the church, as great as that of their beloved pastor, 
was occasioned by the removal of Rev. Samuel Aaron 
and family to Mount Holly, New Jersey, in December, 



Il6 HISTORY OF THE 



1859. Mr. Aaron had been a member of the church, 
and the most prominent figure in all its spiritual 
interests, for nearly twenty years. During this time, 
there had been four pastors, beside himself and a 
number of supplies. Nearly all of them were strong 
men and faithful workers. But Mr. Aaron's influence 
was the most potent factor in the shaping and the 
development of the church's life and character, 
throughout this period. The influence of his great 
mind, his warm heart, his noble life, his eloquent 
words, is still seen and felt. From the year 1840 to 
1859, hi s name appears as a delegate in the minutes 
of every session of the Central Union Association. 
He was the recognized leader and distinguished 
champion of the advanced and aggressive wing of the 
great questions that stirred the hearts of men in those 
days. He was not always present, but, even when 
absent, his influence was felt, and his sentiments 
were usually expressed in the Norristown letter, and 
in many of the resolutions placed before the body. 

His son, Charles E. Aaron, was, also, an active and 
useful member of the church, from the time of his 
conversion. He was clerk of the church from April 
10, 1852, to the fall of 1859. Mrs. Aaron and the 
daughters were, also, active and earnest Christians. 

On Sunday morning, October 23, 1859, a v0 * e was 
taken, inviting Rev. Thomas J. Thomas to supply 
the pulpit for six months. The invitation was 
accepted, aud Mr. Thomas filled the pulpit with 
much acceptance, for that time. 



FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH. 117 

John Iy. Tustin was now made church clerk. 
]\J. H. McVaugh continued to act as assistant clerk, 
as he had done for some time. 

John G. Reese and George Wright were elected 
deacons, to fill the vacancies caused by the removal 
of Deacons Thomas Scattergood and Isaac Johnson. 
The new deacons were duly ordained, at a meeting 
for that purpose, Sunday afternoon, November 27, 
1859. 

Among those excluded, this year, was Mrs. Lydia 
Oram, for neglect of Christian duty and slave holding. 



CHAPTER XL 



Life of Rev. Samuel Aaron. 



The influence of the remarkable man of God, 
whose name stands at the head of this page, was so 
widely extended and his work of so noble and endur- 
ing a character that it will be fitting to devote some 
space to a review of his life and labors. 

Samuel Aaron was born in New Britain township, 
Bucks County, Pa., October 19, 1800. He was of 
Welsh-Irish descent. His parents were persons of 
sincere and humble piety, who endeavored to train 
their children to know and love the L,ord. They were 
both consistent members of the Baptist church. 
Samuel Aaron was left an orphan at an early age. 
He was then placed under the guardianship of his 
uncle, a kind hearted man, but, unfortunately, addict- 
ed to habits of intemperance. Doubtless this is where 
Mr. Aaron's bitter hatred of the drink traffic had its 
genesis. 

At the age of sixteen he entered the academy at 
Doylestown, Pa., taught by Rev. Uriah DuBois. 
Here he advanced rapidly in his studies, and, at the 
age of twenty, he connected himself with the classical 
and mathematical school of John Gummere, at Bur- 
lington, N. J. He entered as a student, but soon 



120 HISTORY OF THE 



became an assistant teacher. Mr. Aaron was, from his 
youth up, of pure morals and exemplary habits, but 
he soon saw that something more than this was 
required of him, so, at the age of twenty-six, he 
publicly confessed Christ and united with the Baptist 
church at Burlington. Being persuaded that he was 
divinely called to the ministry, Mr. Aaron was, some 
months after his conversion, ordained, and in 1828 
became pastor of the church at New Britain, Pa., 
being at the same time principal of the Doyelstown 
Academy. In 1830 he had the sad misfortune to lose 
his wife. Three years after he married again, and 
removed to Burlington, N. J. Here he was elected 
principal of the Burlington High School. In addi- 
tion to the work of conducting a large school, Mr. 
Aaron was, for five years, pastor of the Burlington 
Baptist Church. While here he frequently delivered 
public addresses on scientific subjects and questions 
of moral reform. It was in these addresses and lec- 
tures that his ability as a public speaker, which so 
distinguished him in after years, first became known. 

In 1838, the honorary degree of Master of Arts 
was conferred upon Mr. Aaron by Brown University, 
Francis Wayland, President. 

In 1841, he came to Norristown, in response to the 
call of the Baptist church there, and entered upon his 
double duty of pastor and teacher. 

Mr. Aaron's success as a pastor has been noticed 
in a previous chapter. He also achieved great success 
and won deserved popularity as a teacher. But he 
was most distinguished, at this time, as the champion 



FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH. 121 

of temperance and anti-slavery. On these high 
themes he spoke with an eloquence that was thrilling 
and with a logic that was irresistible. His fearless 
and scathing attacks on the liquor traffic brought 
upon him the enmity and persecution of those allied 
to this nefarious business. Once, while he was 
teaching in the Norristown Academy, after he had 
dismissed his school and was in the building alone, 
he was attacked by two cowardly ruffians, the 
McClenaghan brothers, of Spring Mill, and brutally 
beaten with raw-hide whips. They alleged, as their 
provocation, a personal offence given to them in one 
of Mr. Aaron's temperance addresses. For this 
heinous crime they were arrested, convicted, and 
mildly sentenced to pay a fine of thirty dollars, and 
the short imprisonment of thirty days in the county 
jail. Judge Burnside, who gave the sentence, is said 
to have stated that he was not giving his own decision, 
or it would have been the utmost extent of the law, but 
he was overruled by two associate judges, who were 
in sympathy with the liquor venders. The scars which 
he received at that time he carried with him to the 
grave. 

The popular teacher's success had now become so 
great that he was warranted in opening a school upon 
a much more elaborate plan than was possible in the 
town academy. He therefore purchased a tract of land 
on Sandy Street, erected buildings, and opened a 
school for young men, which he christened Treemount 
Seminary. A more beautiful site could not have been 
secured anywhere in the country. The school was 



122 HISTORY OF THE 



formally opened in December, 1844. He now resigned 
the pastorate of the church, and devoted himself, with 
all the energy of his being, to Treemount. 

His labors were speedily rewarded. The school 
soon became famous throughout eastern Pennsylvania 
and New Jersey, and was widely known in many 
sections of the entire country. Beside the common 
branches, instruction was given in higher mathe- 
matics, the sciences, and Latin, Greek, French and 
German. Many of the business and professional 
men of Norristown and vicinity secured their entire 
educational equipment for life, in this institution. 
Not a few, through its influence and training, have 
become earnest and useful ministers of the Gospel. 
There were as many as two hundred and thirty-three 
students enrolled in a year, and the institution 
became a very profitable business. During the 
fifteen years that Mr. Aaron was principal of the 
school, he was a regular worshipper at the Baptist 
church, unless called away to speak or preach 
elsewhere. His accustomed place was on the pulpit 
platform with the pastor, whom he would invariably 
assist in the services. Rev. Hiram Hutchins, in his 
reminiscences of the Norristown pastorate, says : 
" At first, the talents and eloquence of Brother Aaron 
embarrassed me, making me timid, when preaching 
before him. This timidity soon wore away, however, 
for I found him free from any spirit of improper criti- 
cism, and a very charitable hearer. He was, moreover, 
a devoted and firm friend. Never, while memory lasts, 
shall I forget his kindness to me." 



FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH. 1 23 

When Mr. Aaron came to Norristown, the Baptist 
church was far from being unanimous on the slavery 
question, while the community was almost wholly 
against him. Here and there were men who saw eye 
to eye with him, but they were notable exceptions. 
This made but little difference to Mr. Aaron. He 
would rather be right alone, than wrong with all the 
world. He was a man of deep convictions and per- 
fectly fearless in their defense. His whole being 
seemed pitted against anything that was essentially 
wrong, and what was essentially wrong to him, no 
custom, or legislation, or tradition, could make 
right. His love of the truth was the mastering and 
controlling passion of his soul. This virtue . was 
innate with him, and showed itself in the great frank- 
ness, openness and simplicity of his character, and in 
an imperious disdain of all sin and wrong doing, 
either in the individual, or the state. Homer's 
couplet might be appropriately applied to him : 

" That man within my soul I hate, 
Even as the gates of hell, 
Who speaks fair words, but, in his heart, 
Dark lies and treachery dwell." 

He was a born orator. He was dramatic in the 
best sense. There was nothing about his oratory that 
was studied or affected. Everything came as the 
spontaneous, fervid outburst of nature. 

When combating a great and institutional evil, 
like human bondage, he dealt fierce invective, with 
burning and transcendent eloquence. He knew 
how to move men. He understood human nature. 



124 HISTORY OF THE 



No orator could ever do more by a single word, and 
he was especially gifted in quick and apt retort. He 
was always perfect master of himself, and of the 
situation. 

Mr. Aaron's warm heart went out in sympathy 
with all sincere Christians of every denomination, 
but he was especially devoted to his own church, and 
was ever ready to defend the principles of the Baptist 
faith. His debate, which continued through many 
evenings, with Rev. J. H. Lightburn, of the Meth- 
dist church, on Scriptural Baptism, was long 
remembered by the citizens of Norristown. In this 
discussion, Mr. Aaron proved much more than a 
match for his opponent, not only in scholarship and 
Biblical knowledge, but also in the keenness of his 
logic. 

As a reformer, Mr. Aaron was a firm believer in the 
efficacy of the ballot, when wisely cast and fairly 
counted, to correct civil and social evils. 

"We show our religion," he said, "by the way 
we vote. Our voting is a prayer, and when I vote 
for a drunken, unprincipled man, it is equivalent to 
a prayer to the Almighty. If good men would 
scratch out the names of those unworthy to fill public 
offices, there are enough to prevent their nomination." 

In 1854, Mr. Aaron was the Free Soil party's 
candidate for Congress, in this district. In 1856, 
he was an active participant in the great Republican 
convention at Philadelphia, which nominated Free- 
mont for the Presidency. In the year 1 859, Norristown 
was compelled to witness the removal of this great 
man from the town and state. 



FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH. 1 25 

In the panic of 1857, many of Norristown's 
strongest business men became financially involved. 
Mr. Aaron had given endorsements for friends, whose 
failure carried him down with them. Thus, being 
overwhelmed with financial embarrassment, he was 
forced to surrender the possession of the institution 
he had founded and fostered to his creditors. 

Mr. Aaron's financial failure, and his consequent 
abandonment of Treemount and removal from 
Norristown, was a great misfortune to the entire 
community. For nearly twenty years he was inti- 
mately connected with every improvement of a moral, 
social or religious nature, in Montgomery county. 
u During that time," says the Norristown Republican, 
"no plan for the elevation of society, or the improve- 
ment of the town and county, wanted his endorsement 
or co-operation, and no one who had a plea of real 
charity to prefer, or enterprise of benevolence to 
inaugurate, was ever turned empty away from his 
door. Unselfishness, excess of charity and benevo- 
lence combined, prevented his acquisition of wealth. 
It is doubtful if any man in eastern Pennsylvania 
wielded a deeper or wider influence in moulding the 
rising generation, or giving the impress of free 
thought to others in active life. 

John W. Iyock, Ph. D. , who was, for a time, 
associated with him in the Treemount Seminary, says 
that Mr. Aaron made the most lasting impression 
upon the community of any man who has ever lived 
here. Davis, in his history of Bucks county, says : 
" He was one of the most brilliant men Bucks county 
ever produced. " 



126 HISTORY OF THE 



Mr. Auge, in his u Men of Montgomery County," 
writes : u The most noted clergyman that has figured 
in Montgomery County annals for forty years was un- 
doubtedly Rev. Samuel Aaron. In mere scholastic 
sermonizing, or revival power, we may have had his 
superiors, but in breadth of intellect, exalted imagina- 
tion, gifts of oratory, melting pathos, abounding 
charity and liberality, both of religious sentiment and 
alms-giving, we never had a greater. He was preacher, 
politician, philanthrophist and teacher, all combined 
in one. ' ' 

Theodore W. Bean, in his history of Montgomery 
County, writes "As an educator, he left a lasting 
impress of his individuality upon his scholars, and all 
of the young men who studied under him acknowl- 
edged his conscientiousness as a teacher." 

By Mr. Aaron's removal, the poor lost a faithful 
helper, the oppressed a watchful advocate, the school 
an inspiring instructor, the wise an able counselor, 
the learned a genial companion, the cause of reform 
a staunch and stalwart defender, and the church a 
devoted friend and trusted leader. 

His departure was as sore a trial to Mr. Aaron 
himself and his family as it was to his friends. 
Treemount Seminary, next to the church, had long 
been the idol of his heart. Here too was his pleasant 
home, which he had beautified and adorned in accord- 
ance with his taste and enterprise, and where he, 
naturally, anticipated passing the closing years of his 
life. 



FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH. 1 27 

He took leave of all these sacred associations, 
December, 1859. The Baptist Church of Mount 
Holly, N. J., had given him a hearty and unanimous 
call to become their pastor. This he accepted, and at 
the same time, assisted by his son, Charles E. Aaron, 
opened the Mount Holly Institute. The school 
obtained a liberal patronage, and Mr. Aaron was soon 
happy in his work. In a letter to a Norristown friend, 
he wrote, ' 'A new world is spread out before me, and 
nothing seems wanting to my felicity but the presence 
of my dear ones, the payment of my debts, and the 
conversion of souls. ' ' 

During his six years residence in Mount Holly, his 
time was fully occupied in teaching, preaching and 
in good works generally. He was frequently called 
upon for public addresses and lectures. His correspond- 
ence was also extensive, during these closing years of 
his life. Among those who wrote him frequently, in 
these perilous days of the war, were Wendell Phillips, 
Charles D. Cleveland, Charles S. Bates, John G. 
Whittier and William Henry Channing. 

He enjoyed the confidence and esteem of many 
noted men in the army and in the United States 
Congress. At the time of his death, he was under an 
appointment to preach in the Hall of Representatives, 
at Washington. The chaplain, W. H. Channing, in 
his invitation to him, wrote, " it will give us pleasure 
to place the Hall of Representatives at the service of 
one so distinguished for earnest advocacy of the 
cause of freedom. ' ' 



HISTORY OF THE 



Among the world's noble men, her educators, her 
patriots, her Gospel preachers and Christian philan- 
throphists, he stood and labored in the front rank. 
He lived just long enough to see the triumph of the 
cause he had so long and eloquently defended, and 
to hear the news of the nation's victory. 

He died peacefully and in the conscious triumph 
of the Christian's hope, on the evening of April n, 
1865, in the sixty-fifth year of his age. During his 
last illness, which was of short duration, he took a 
lively interest in all that was transpiring in the nation. 
His last hours were spent in reading and expounding 
to those who ministered to him portions of that 
precious Word, which had been his guide all through 
life. On the day of his death, he asked a friend to 
open the windows of his room, so that he might 
inhale ' ' the glory of the heavens. ' ' It was a beautiful 
morning in the spring, his favorite season. As he 
looked at the clear sky, and then at the trees and 
grass and flowers, he said, * ' how beautiful are all of 
God' s works. ' ' 

Upon hearing of the fall of Richmond and the 
surrender of Lee, a few hours before his death, he 
exclaimed, " Thank God ; I rejoice in the salvation 
of my country." His last words were : " Thy grace 
is sufficient for me," and thus, surrounded by his 
sorrowing family and friends, "he fell asleep in 
Jesus. ' ' 

" Servant of God, well done ! 
Thy glorious warfare's past; 
The battle's fought, the race is won, 
And thou art crowned at last." 



FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH. I 29 

His funeral, which was held on the fourteenth of 
April, the day that Lincoln was assassinated, was 
largely attended by many from distant places. The 
funeral sermon was preached by Rev. William S. 
Hall, of Philadelphia. 

A marble monument, erected by the Baptist 
church of Mount Holly, bears this appropriate 
inscription: "Honored as a minister, beloved as a 
friend, revered as a teacher of youth, he is mourned 
as the guide and comforter of many." 




ALFRED PINNEY 
Pastor from June, i860, to November, 1862. 



CHAPTER XII. 



Pastorate of Rev. Alfred Pinney to that of Rev. Hardin 
Wheat — June, i860, to July, 1863. 



In May, i860, Rev. Alfred Pinney, of Zanesville, 
Ohio, was called as pastor, at a salary of eight hund- 
red dollars per annum, or six hundred and fifty dollars 
and parsonage. The call was accepted, and the new 
pastor began his labors the first of June. 

The Free Mission Society held its meeting with 
the church on the thirtieth and thirty-first of May. 

During the autumn there were some repairs and 
improvements made to the house of worship, at a cost 
of one thousand dollars. Before this time the weekly 
prayer meetings had been held on Saturday evening. 
In September the time was changed to Friday even- 
ing. It was during this year that the ladies of the 
church took the first step looking to their organization 
for more efficient work among them. They formed 
what was known as a sinking fund for the purpose of 
aiding the church in its financial affairs. 

The church was now passing through one of the 
most trying and dispiriting periods of its existence. 
These were dark days in American history, and the 
church sympathized deeply with the afflicted nation. 
The long pending war had begun in earnest. The 



134 HISTORY OF THE 



war spirit swept over the country like wild-fire. The 
stars and stripes, the symbol of Revolutionary glory 
and of national unity, were everywhere unfurled. 
The best men in the church and out of it were eager 
to enlist in the army. But the outlook was disheart- 
ening. The union army had been defeated with 
terrible loss, at the battle of Bull Run. The northern 
people were, at first, chagrined by this defeat. Then 
came a renewal of determination. Congress voted 
five hundred million dollars and five hundred thous- 
and men. President Ivincoln had great faith in 
prayer. He urged all Christians, who loved their 
country, to petition Almighty God in behalf of the 
nation, in this time of darkness and distress. He 
appointed Thursday, September 26, as a day of prayer. 
The Norristown Church, in common with northern 
churches generally, voted to devote the entire day to 
prayer and supplication for the union and the cause 
of freedom. The ultimate success of the northern 
army and the happy termination of the war are 
doubtless due more than men are wont to think to 
the faithful fervent prayers of the patriotic churches 
of the north. 

These stirring events so engaged the thoughts of 
the people, that little room was left for the ordinary 
duties of the church, or the usual spiritual exercises. 
Men's minds were occupied with the one great question 
of the life of the nation. There was much coldness 
and indifference on the part of many members. It 
was a season of unusual barrenness and declension. 
There were but few conversions. Only nineteen 
baptisms are recorded for the whole pastorate of two 



FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH. 1^5 

years and a half. The number of exclusions and 
erasures exceeded the number of baptisms. The 
church was unable to meet its current expenses. 
There was not entire sympathy between pastor and 
people, and on the thirtieth of November, 1862, Mr. 
Pinney resigned the pastoral charge. 

There were several things that conspired together 
to prevent any great success, during the ministry of 
Pastor Pinney. In the first place, he had the mis- 
fortune to serve the church during a very trying 
period. The disturbed condition of the country, and 
the consequent diversion of the minds of the people 
from spiritual things, were not conducive to any great 
religious awakening. In the second place, Mr. 
Pinney was not well adapted to this field. He was 
not so strong a man, nor so able a preacher, as some 
of those who preceded him. The character of the 
church had been shaped and developed by such force- 
ful preachers and patriotic leaders as David Bernard, 
Samuel Aaron, Hiram Hutchins, Roswell Cheney, 
and others, whose convictions were more fervid and 
whose sentiments were more pronounced than those 
held by Mr. Pinney. Although he was not altogether 
suited for the work of so advanced and progressive a 
church, Mr. Pinney was a good man, and, in many 
respects, a faithful and earnest worker. He was 
much interested in the Sunday school, and was, for 
a time, its superintendent. If no great success was 
achieved, it still remains to be said, to his credit and 
honor, that he left the church a united and harmon- 
ious body, free from disturbing factions and discordant 
elements. 



136 HISTORY OF THE 



After the resignation of Mr. Pinney, in November, 
he continued as supply for several months, but the 
church was pastorless from November to the following 
July. In their letter to the association, in June, 1863, 
they " speak of the past year as one of comparative 
unfruitfulness, deplore their lukewarmness, and 
lament the little progress they have made heaven- 
ward." The number of members reported, this 
year, was two hundred and twenty-seven, the smallest 
number since 1838, six years after the organization of 
the church. In this same letter, in which they 
lament the lack of spiritual progress, they " reiterate 
their interest in their country's conflict, and hail 
President Iyincoln's proclamation of freedom with 
great delight. They continue to pray for peace in 
the land, and that with the close of the war, slavery, 
the cause of it, may end. 




Hardin Wheat 

Pastor from July, 1863, to October, 1870. 



CHAPTER XIII. 



Pastorate of Rev. Hardin Wheat to that of Rev. George 
Frear — July, 1863, to February, 1872. 



On Sunday morning, May 24, 1863, the church 
extended a call to Rev. Hardin Wheat, of Baton, 
N. Y., to become their pastor. He accepted the 
invitation and entered upon his labors the first of 

July. 

Mr. Wheat was only twenty-eight years of age, 
when he came to Norristown. He was born in 
Franklin, Delaware County, New Jersey, in 1835, 
and was converted at the age of seventeen, during a 
revival conducted by Evangelist A. B. Karle. Being 
convinced of his call of God to the work of the 
ministry, he entered Madison (Colgate) University in 
in 1857, and graduated four years later, at the age of 
twenty-six. Without waiting to take a course in the 
theological seminary, he entered at once upon his 
chosen work, being ordained as pastor of the Baptist 
church in Eaton, N. Y He was there for nearly 
two years, when he resigned to accept the call to 
Norristown. 

During his student life and also while pastor at 
Eaton, Mr. Wheat had been known as a firm and 
unflinching supporter of the anti-slavery cause and 



I4o HISTORY OF THE 



temperance reform. It was this that brought the 
young minister, through the influence of Rev. G. F. 
Post, to the notice of the church in Norristown, and 
Mr. Wheat himself felt that there was a peculiar 
fitness in that Providence which had called him to 
become the pastor of a people whose views, on all 
questions of social and civil reform, so thoroughly 
coincided with his own. 

It was during those days of fearful suspense, just 
before the battle of Gettysburg, that Mr. Wheat left 
Eaton for his new field. As he was leaving, a friend, 
alluding to the change he was making, asked him if 
it would not be wiser to wait a few days, as, should 
the enemy prove victorious, their next point of attack 
might be Philadelphia and that vicinity. Mr. Wheat 
replied, "So much the more then will the church 
need its pastor. " Already he had identified himself 
with that people, and he was longing to be at the 
post of duty, which was ever to him the post of honor 
and of privilege, and no threatening danger could 
detain him when duty called. Arrived at Norristown, 
he found anxiety depicted on almost every counte- 
nance. But before the patriotic young pastor had 
preached his first sermon to his new people, Sunday, 
July fifth, the decisive battle had been fought and 
General Lee had recrossed the Potomac. The news 
of this wonderful victory had a most cheering and 
animating effect upon all those who had been waiting 
with bated breath, but unfaltering hopes and fervent 
prayers, for the success of a righteous cause. With 
the repulse of the invading foe, the tide of the war 



FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH. 



rolled backward, and those who had enlisted merely 
to meet that emergency soon returned to their homes, 
and business again resumed its wonted course. 

Mr. Wheat was soon earnestly engaged in his 
work, using every moment that could be spared from 
his study in seeking out and becoming acquainted 
with his people, and assuredly they needed the care 
and prayers of a tender shepherd. From nearly 
every home some loved one had gone, and not a few 
fathers, husbands and brothers were still on the 
battle-fields of the South, or lying wounded and 
helpless in Northern hospitals. 

With the prospect of a successful issue of the war 
and the triumph of freedom, all became more hopeful. 
Renewed zeal was manifested along all lines of church 
activity. The new pastor gave himself with a will 
to the work of building up the congregation. Every- 
thing took on new life ; conversions and baptisms 
became quite frequent. During the year twenty-five 
persons were baptized and fifteen were received by 
letter. Of those received by baptism, eighteen were 
from the Sunday school. 

With those spiritual advances came financial 
prosperity. On the sixteenth of February, 1864, it 
was voted to purchase a musical instrument for use 
in divine services. M. H. McVaugh and J. L. Tustin 
were appointed a committee to procure the instrument, 
which they did, at a cost of one hundred and thirty- 
seven dollars. D. J. McVaugh stated that, as there 
was no one in the church to perform on this 
instrument, the members of the choir had invited 



142 HISTORY OF THE 



Miss A. B. Balleau to do so for the time being. It 
was then resolved that the church pay her seventy-five 
dollars per year for her services. The next year her 
salary was increased to twenty-five dollars a quarter, as 
organist and music director. In December the church 
gave evidence, in a very material and practical way, 
of their appreciation of the faithful labors of their 
pastor by increasing his salary two hundred dollars 
per year. 

At the same time the congregation, by the advice 
of the trustees, made a most egregious financial 
blunder in selling their parsonage without procuring 
another. It is difficult to understand how men, who 
showed so much business tact and forethought in some 
respects, should be so short-sighted as to make so 
great a mistake, both for their own time and the 
future welfare of the church. 

April 4, 1865, J. L. Tustin resigned the office of 
clerk and J. T. Ely was appointed. 

During this year a resolution was passed assessing 
each member one dollar per year, in addition to what 
they had been paying for the current expenses. The 
names of persons failing to comply with this require- 
ment were to be read out publicly, at the end of the 
year. 

During this same year the pastor's salary was 
again increased, making it one thousand dollars per 
annum. This was a mark not only of the magnani- 
mous and generous spirit of the congregation, but 
also of the church's financial and spiritual prosperity. 
One thousand dollars was a large salary for a minister, 



FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH. 143 

in those days, and one which but few churches were 
able to pay, and the membership was then only two 
hundred and sixty-seven. 

The Central Union Association met with the 
church, this year, for the first time since 1848, a 
period of seventeen years. Many resolutions were 
passed, at this session, regarding the evangelization 
and education of the freedmen. The churches were 
urged to aid in their moral, social and intellectual 
elevation. The abstract of the Norristown letter 
says: "Extend to the association a cheerful and 
cordial welcome to their house of worship and to 
their hospitalities. They have enjoyed many tokens 
of the divine favor ; congregations are good ; Sabbath 
school is flourishing ; report four large and prosperous 
Bible classes ; mention the demise of their esteemed 
brother, John Johnson, who has not been heard from 
since the terrible battle of the Wilderness ; they 
sorrow over the martyrdom of the ' father and 
redeemer of our country ; ' they rejoice over the 
success of our arms, and the destruction of the 
inhuman system of American slavery, and hail, with 
grateful emotions, the return of peace ; mention, with 
affection and sorrow, the death of Rev. Samuel 
Aaron, who was formerly their beloved and faithful 
pastor — greatly beloved in life ; in death much 
lamented." 

The year 1866 was an uneventful one, but the work 
moved steadily and harmoniously along. The num- 
ber reported to the association was three hundred and 
three. Nineteen had been received by baptism and 



144 HISTORY OF THE 



twenty-seven by letter. In those palmy days it was 
not unusual for the number received by letter from 
other churches to exceed the number received by 
conversion and baptism. After the war, Norristown 
grew rapidly for a number of years. New families 
were constantly moving into the town. The Baptists 
received a fair proportion of those, so that the church 
grew rapidly, without the labor required when the 
additions come principally from new converts. 

In April, 1867, J. T. Ely resigned as clerk and 
C. H. Detwiler was chosen to that office. 

In July of this year, it was voted to adopt a set 
of by-laws and rules of order, for the government 
of the church. Those, together with the articles of 
faith and church covenant, were printed and bound 
as a booklet, called the u Church Manual." 

At the regular business meeting in October, on 
motion of Deacon N. B. Johnson, it was voted to add 
two hundred dollars more to Pastor Wheat's salary, 
making it one thousand two hundred dollars. This 
was the third time his salary had been increased, 
inside of four years. 

During this season there were few conversions. 
Only nine baptisms were reported for the whole Asso- 
ciational year ; fourteen were received by letter, and 
two by experience. In their annual letter they report 
large congregations ; express their interest in the 
efforts of the civil government to solve its problem of 
re-construction ; lament the treachery of some in 
power ; manifest more than usual interest in the cause 
of temperance ; sustain two Sabbath schools, and 



FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH. 1 45 

express gratitude for the manifestation of the Master's 
presence. They mourn the loss of four esteemed 
members. Charles Cauffman, one of the number, 
was a most devoted and influential Christian, zealous 
in every good work. 

On the thirteenth of November, 1867, a special 
meeting was called to take into consideration the 
building of a new house of worship. After due 
consideration, it was resolved to build a new house, 
adequate to meet the demands of the church, as soon 
as twenty-five thousand dollars should be subscribed. 
A committee of three was appointed, consisting of 
Deacon David Allabough, Samuel D. Delp and C. H. 
Detwiler, to solicit subscriptions. 

This building project constituted the chief business 
of the church, at all their regular business meetings 
and at every called meeting, for six years, or until 
the house was finally built, in 1873. It was first 
decided to rebuild on the old site. Afterwards, many 
favored building on DeKalb Street and further out. 
Accordingly, a lot was purchased on the corner of 
DeKalb and Jacoby Streets. An effort was made to 
sell the property on the corner of Swede and Airy 
Streets. Fifteen thousand dollars was the price 
asked. Thirteen thousand was offered for it. Many 
were in favor of accepting the offer. Finally, after 
vacillating between the two places for three years, 
it was voted, April 18, 1870, to dispose of the property 
on DeKalb and Jacoby Streets and to build according 
to the original plan, on the old site, Swede and Airy 
Streets. The trustees succeeded in selling the DeKalb 



146 HISTORY OF THE 



Street property soon after. Subsequent years have 
abundantly testified to the wisdom of rebuilding on 
the present site, which is now and is likely to be 
for years to come, a central, convenient and suitable 
location. There is not now a more desirable site for 
the old First Church than the same historical and 
hallowed foundation where it was first built. 

In the year 1868, conversions were more frequent. 
There were baptisms during three different months, 
and thirty-nine, in all, were buried with Christ in 
baptism, during the year. The present excellent 
practice of baptizing almost every month in the year 
and, for long seasons, every Sunday in the month, 
was then unknown. They apparently depended more 
upon special seasons and extra meetings and less upon 
the regular weekly services, as times for ingatherings, 
than the church is accustomed to do now. Many of 
those baptized during the year became valuable and 
influential members of the church. The number of 
members was now officially stated to be three hundred 
and fifty-eight. This was the largest membership in 
the history of the church. They now enjoyed the 
distinction of being the largest church in the Asso- 
ciation, Frankford being next in size. The First 
Philadelphia withdrew from the association in 1858. 

On April 12, 1869, two more deacons were elected — 
James Shannon and C. H. Detwiler. Both were 
spiritually-minded men and hence suited to the office 
to which they had been elevated. 

The year 1869 was a comparatively unfruitful one 
in the way of ingatherings. Only six were baptized 



FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH. 147 

during the year, but fifteen were received by letter. 
Though not a time of reaping, it was certainly a time 
of sowing, for the next year was the banner year in 
the history of the church, in respect to additions by 
baptism. 

The week of prayer was followed by a most 
gracious revival. Twenty-one were received for 
baptism on the twenty-ninth of January, thirty on 
the fourth of February, eight on the eleventh, 
twenty-three on the twenty-fifth, nine on the twelfth 
of March, six on the nineteenth, one in April and 
two in August — one hundred and two in all. These 
did not all continue to walk with the Lord, but many 
of them remain faithful to this day, and are among 
the church's most loyal and devoted members. 

The Sunday school work was also very prosperous, 
at this time. Two schools were reported. There 
were thirty- three teachers and two hundred and 
eighty scholars. This is the largest number in the 
history of the school. Of the one hundred and two 
baptisms, seventy-five were from the Sunday school. 

This year of unprecedented prosperity proved to 
be the last of Mr. Wheat's pastorate. Although he 
was but thirty-five years of age, he w 7 as already broken 
in health. The responsibility and anxiety, connected 
with the labors of the large ingathering of this 
memorable winter of 1870, overtaxed his feeble 
physical powers and incapacitated him for preaching 
and pastoral duties. He was loath to leave a field of 
so many pleasant and precious memories, and where 
he was surrounded by such a host of loyal friends. 



I48 HISTORY OF THE 



But it was evident, both to the church and to himself, 
that he could not, with safety to his health, longer 
continue the ministrations, or bear the exacting duties 
of this rapidly growing congregation. Accordingly, 
on the third of October, 1870, he resigned the pastoral 
charge. The resignation was accepted, but his salary 
was continued for four months. A donation of three 
hundred and twenty-five dollars was also made him 
by the members, and a committee, consisting of D. J. 
McVaugh, Samuel D. Delp and Dr. J. K. Weaver, 
was appointed to draft resolutions of respect, to be 
printed in the ( 'National Baptist" and the "American 
Baptist. ' ' 

The pastorate of Mr. Wheat was one of the most 
successful and satisfactory in the history of the 
church. He was not so strong a preacher as some 
who had preceded him, but what he may have lacked 
in ability he made up in zeal, faithfulness and 
untiring devotion. Although diffident and retiring, 
he was fearless in pursuing the path of duty. He 
was a man of much fervor and spiritual power, and 
devoted to his holy calling. He was an excellent 
pastor. He had an ardent love for the souls of his 
fellowmen and showed his adaptation to his divinely 
selected work by winning many to Christ. He was a 
man of tender sympathies and great kindness of heart. 
Mr. Wheat moved to Millville, New Jersey, where 
his health improved considerably. After a time, he 
acted as supply for the church in this place. He then 
accepted a call to the church of Broadalbin, New 
York. The work here proved too great a tax upon 



FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH. 1 49 

him, and his disabilities became so great he was 
compelled to resign. Then he removed to Palmyra, 
New York, where he served a pleasant village church, 
amid a loving and devoted people. But disease had 
done its work. After a brief service there his pure 
spirit passed away, in the year 1876, in the forty-second 
year of his age. He died triumphant in that faith in 
Christ which had strengthened him for manifold 
labors and sustained him in great afflictions. He died 
while yet young in years, but full of noble deeds and 
heavenly honors. 

Among other things that contributed to the 
marked prosperity of the pastorate of Mr. Wheat was 
the unusually large number of valuable members who 
were received by letter from other churches, during his 
ministry. He baptized two hundred and thirteen. 
The membership was four hundred and eighty-six. 

Among the many prominent, earnest workers in 
the church, those years, were: David Allabough, 
D. J. McVaugh, Thomas Shaw, Evan Davis, William 
White, George Wright, James Shannon, Thomas 
Scattergood, Alfred Scattergood, N. B. Johnson, 
M. H. McVaugh, Augustus Hart, C. H. Detwiler, 
Joseph E. Rapp, Henry Still, J. E. Tustin, J. T. Ely, 
J. McCrea, Charles Cauffman, Isaac Styer, E. B. 
Waltz, Samuel Overholtzer, Thomas D. Abraham, 
J. K. Weaver, M. D., J. Howard Arnold, Samuel 
Butz, G. W. Wainwright and many others just as 
faithful, including a host of notable, consecrated 
women. 



150 HISTORY OF THE 



At the same meeting in which Pastor Wheat's 
resignation was accepted, it was voted to hold business 
meetings on the first Monday evening of each month, 
instead of once in three months, as had been the 
custom. No reason is given for this change and it 
was surely an unwise move. Perhaps the church 
never had more legitimate business to transact than 
during the pastorate of Mr. Wheat, and certainly 
during no term of years have the business affairs of 
the church been better conducted. Ordinarily, the 
fewer business meetings theie are the better. Some 
men can talk eloquently in business meetings, when 
a whole evening is given to this purpose, whose voices 
are never heard in prayer or praise. It is the 
consensus of opinion, among those who have had 
most experience as leaders in Christian work, that 
one or two, or, at the most, four distinctive business 
meetings in a year, is the most satisfactory method. 
The receiving and dismissing of members and many 
other matters can be appropriately attended to in 
connection with the appointed devotional services, as 
was done during Mr. Wheat's pastorate. Special 
meetings can always be called, when the business is of 
such importance as to warrant it. Much valuable 
time is wasted, and many misunderstandings and 
"causes of offense" have their genesis in these too 
frequent distinctive business meetings. A judiciary 
and advisory committee, before which all matters of 
business shall come, before being presented to the 
body, would contribute much to the harmony and 
success of many congregations. Then business which 



FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH. I5I 

should be laid before the whole body would be well 
matured before it is brought in, and so much 
unfortunate discussion would be avoided. In this 
way, a Baptist church can have all the advantages of 
churches which have sessions with legitimate func- 
tions and still retain its democratic character. 




George Frear 

Pastor from February, 1872, to June, 1875. 



CHAPTER XIV. 



Pastorate of Rev. George Frear to that of Rev. Simeon 
Siegfried — February, 1872, to September, 1875. 



After the resignation of the Rev. Hardin Wheat, 
the church was pastorless for sixteen months. There 
was some decline, naturally, during this interim, in 
the spiritual interests, and only two were received by 
baptism. But there was regular preaching by supplies, 
and the Sabbath school was well sustained. The 
pulpit committee, from time to time, recommended 
several well-known ministers of the denomination, 
among them, A. J. Rowland, D. D., J. R. Murphy, 
D. D., and Wm. H. Young, D. D., for the pastoral 
office, but they could not be secured. Rev. Mr. 
Wheat was also thought of. He would have been 
glad to return and the church would have been glad 
to receive him had his health been sufficiently restored 
to permit it. 

Finally, on the third of December, 1871, Rev. 
George Frear, of Reading, was called, at a salary of 
one thousand and eight hundred dollars a year. He 
accepted the call and entered upon his duties February 
1, 1872. At the installation services, which were held 
February twenty- second, John Peddie, D. D. , preached 
the sermon, Lemuel Moss, D. D., delivered the charge 
to the pastor, and John H. Castle, D. D. , that to the 
church. 



156 History of the 



J. D. Tustin, having resigned the position of chor- 
ister, and Miss Mary Tustin that of organist, March 
fourth, Dr. Philip Y. Eisenberg was chosen as chor- 
ister. Dr. Horace Still was, at the same time, elected 
organist, the church agreeing to pay him forty dollars 
a year. In 1874, his salary was increased to seventy- 
five dollars a year, and the chorister was allowed one 
hundred dollars a year. Dr. Still has held the position 
of organist for twenty-five years, and has been 
regarded as a skilled and accomplished musician. 
The Baptist hymn and tune book was adopted for 
use in the Sunday services. 

The same year, the present plan of offering for 
the several benevolent objects of the denomination 
was adopted as follows : The annual offering for the 
Missionary Union, first Lord's Day in October; for the 
StateMission Society, the first Lord's Day in December; 
Home Mission Society, the first in February; Educa- 
tion Society, the first in April ; the local Sabbath 
school, the first in June; the Publication Society, the 
first in August. 

The chief event, during the pastorate of Mr. 
Frear, was the building of the present church edifice, 
on the corner of Swede and Airy Streets. A building 
committee of the following brethren was adopted, viz: 
Samuel L. Butz, Justus P. Leaver, M. H. McVaugh, 
C. H. Detwiler and Jos. B. Rapp. This committee 
employed an architect, and on February 3, 1873, 
reported a plan, together with specifications, for the 
new edifice. The work of taking down the old 
building, in which the congregation had worshipped 



FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH. 157 

for forty years, was then begun, and the foundations 
were laid for the new, the corner stone being laid July 
4, 1873. During the demolition of the old and the 
construction of the new house, the Sunday services 
were held in the court house, and the Wednesday and 
Friday evening meetings were held in Hill's Hall. 

The work of building was now pushed rapidly 
forward, and the lecture room was ready for occupancy 
by the fifth of March, 1874. The entire structure 
was completed by November first. The taste and 
skill displayed in its erection called for universal 
admiration. 

The dedication occurred on Sunday, November 15, 
1874. The ceremonies were of an interesting and 
imposing character. In the morning the audience was 
large, even the aisles, hall and gallery were crowded. 
The services commenced with singing the Doxology, 
followed by the Lord's prayer. The choir sang the 
anthem, "Oh, How Beautiful is Zion, City of our 
Lord." The music during the entire day deserved 
special praise. Members of the choirs of several of 
the churches of the town rendered valuable assistance. 
Dr. Eisenberg led the singing and Dr. Still presided 
at the organ. After the reading of Psalms eighty- 
four and one hundred and thirty-two, and prayer by 
Pastor Frear, John Peddie, D. D., preached the ser- 
mon, from Luke 4 : 14, 15. This was followed by a 
hymn, written for the occasion. Pastor Frear then 
made a statement in regard to the building and furn- 
ishing of the church, and invited proposals to meet 
the claims incurred. The first subscription was one 



158 HISTORY OF THE 



thousand dollars from the Mite Society, and about 
one thousand dollars was received by miscellaneous 
offerings. The dedication prayer was offered by Rev. 
Wm. Smith. In the afternoon, P. S. Henson, D.D. , 
preached from Judges y: y. In the evening, the ser- 
mon was by President Henry G. Weston, D. D. 
Pastor Frear then read a poem, written for the occasion 
by a member of the Sunday school. 

The cost of the building, not including the furn- 
ishing, was twenty-five thousand, six hundred and 
eight-two dollars, of which twenty thousand dollars 
had been raised and paid at the time of the dedication. 

The subscription committees had been engaged in 
collecting for several years, and had done faithful and 
successful work. The expense of furnishing the lec- 
ture room, which amounted to five hundred and eighty- 
two dollars, was chiefly borne by the Sunday school. 
The auditorium was furnished at a total cost of one 
thousand, nine hundred and fourteen dollars and 
ninety-four cents. This was assumed by the Mite 
Society, which, by heroic efforts, they succeeded in 
paying. The furniture in the pulpit, costing about 
one hundred and thirty five dollars, was purchased by 
the children in the Sunday school. The entire cost of 
the building when completed was, therefore, twenty- 
eight thousand and three hundred dollars. This seems 
almost impossible. It certainly required careful over- 
sight to erect such an edifice at figures like those. 
This handsome brown stone structure, which adorns 
the south-west corner of Swede and Airy Streets, is a 
credit to Norristown and an honor to the Baptist 




present Church Edifice 



FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH. l6l 



denomination. It is conveniently and centrally 
located. It is in the Romanesque style of architecture. 
The dimensions are sixty-two by ninety-two feet. 
On the north-west corner is a turret, rising one hundred 
feet from the ground. There are three front doors, 
affording ample means of egress. The windows are 
filled with stained glass of a neat pattern, that in the 
large front window being of quite elaborate design. 
The basement is divided into a lecture room, forty-one 
by fifty-five feet; infant school room, twenty-three by 
twenty-five feet ; a parlor or committee room of the 
same size; also a library and secretaries' room. The 
auditorium is a beautiful and spacious room, with a 
seating capacity, on the main floor, of six hundred 
and sixty ; or about eight hundred, including the 
gallery. It has three aisles, and is seated with pews of 
oak and walnut, in semi-circular form, affording a full 
view of the pulpit from any part of the house. On 
each side of the pulpit are rooms for the use of candi- 
dates on the occasion of baptism. The ceiling and 
pulpit recesses are beautifully frescoed in neutral tints, 
the side walls being painted plain. The gas arrange- 
ments in the room are of rather novel style, it being 
lighted by means of a reflector of twenty-six burners 
in the ceiling, below which is suspended a corona of 
thirty-six cluster burners, and a small corona of four 
burners at the pulpit. 

This splendid church edifice is a fitting testimonial 
of the careful oversight and wise direction of Pastor 
Frear, and a noble monument to the persevering labor 
and Christian beneficence of the faithful band of men 



62 HISTORY OF THE 



and women who carried the work on to its successful 
completion. During these years of building, the 
growth of the church in numbers was rather slow. 
Only forty-five were baptized during Mr. Frear's pas- 
torate. A number had been dropped, and some 
dismissed by letter, so that the membership, in 1875, 
was but four hundred and fifty-eight, or twenty-eight 
less than in 1870. But the building of the spiritual 
temple, like that of the material, was of a sound, 
substantial and enduring character. 

The church lost a number of valuable members 
by death, during Mr. Frear's pastorate, among them 
D. J. McVaugh, who was called to his reward after a 
long illness, borne with Christian resignation and 
fortitude, in the year 1873. Brother McVaugh was 
held in high esteem by a large circle of friends, and he 
was greatly missed in the church and community, 
where he lived and labored so unselfishly for the cause 
of his Master. u He was a good man, full of the 
Holy Ghost and of faith." 

Pastor Frear, having expressed his intention to 
resign the pastorate to accept a call to Lewisburg, a 
special meeting was convened, when he was requested, 
by a hearty vote, to reconsider his purpose and remain 
with the church. But, notwithstanding, his resigna- 
tion was formally presented on the third of May, 
1875, to take effect the first of June. 

George Frear, D. D., was born June 21, 1831. He 
was baptized in 1849, at Baton, Pa., by his father, 
Rev. William Frear, who was pastor there for forty 



FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH. 1 63 

years. He graduated with honors at Lewisburg, now 
Bucknell University, in 1856, and from the Theologi- 
cal Department in 1858. He was ordained the same 
year, and became pastor of the First Church of 
Reading, Pa. While here he was instrumental in 
organizing the Second Baptist Church of Reading. 
Dr. Frear was, for a time, during the Civil War, 
chaplain of the Third Pennsylvania Reserves. In 
1872, he accepted the call to Norristown. While 
here, he received the degree of Doctor of Divinity 
from Bucknell University. In 1875, he became pastor 
of the church at Lewisburg, and in 1879 removed to 
Wilkes-Barre, Pa., where he labored until 1894, when 
failing health compelled him to retire from active 
pastoral duties. 

In all these important pastorates, Dr. Frear won 
the hearts of the people to whom he ministered, and 
will be remembered as an able preacher, a wise builder 
and a most faithful exponent of the principles of the 
denomination he served for so many years. Aided by 
the State Mission Society, Brother Frear reorganized 
the church at Wilkes-Barre, and established it on 
a sure foundation. For fourteen years he labored 
here, building up a strong and prosperous church. 
He was for eight years trustee of the Keystone 
Academy and served a number of terms as vice-presi- 
dent of the Education Society. Dr. Frear died at 
Wilkes-Barre, December 27, 1894. 




Simeon Siegfried 

Pastor from September, 1875, to October, 1879. 



CHAPTER XV. 



Pastorate of Rev. Simeon Siegfried to that Rev. N. B. 
Randall — September, 1875, to February, 1880. 



The church now being without a pastor, Dr. J. K. 
Weaver, C. H. Detwiler, I. N. Harrar and Malcolm 
Iyiudsay were appointed a pulpit committee, and on 
the second of August, 1875, tne Y reported the name 
of Rev. Simeon Siegfried for the pastoral office, and 
on Sunday morning, August fifteenth, he was elected, 
ninety-nine voting in favor and twenty-three against 
the call. He entered upon his duties the first of the 
next month. Mr. Siegfried was nearly fifty years of 
age, when he came to Norristown, but he was still 
young in spirit. His work was highly appreciated 
and he soon became exceedingly popular. He was 
kind-hearted and liberal by nature, and possessed a 
commanding presence and rhetorical manner in the 
pulpit. Personally, he was of a genial disposition. 
He frequently preached special sermons to the mem- 
bers of the various societies and secret orders, with 
whom he was a favorite. The audiences grew large 
and its pastor became popular with the masses. 

No special evangelistic effort was undertaken, but 
a few were baptized at different times during the year. 



l68 HISTORY OF THE 



The Central Union Association met with the 
church on the sixth of June. Among the strong 
resolutions passed by that body was one commending 
the United States commission of the Centennial 
Exhibition, which was then on in Philadelphia, for 
refusing to open the doors of the exposition on the 
Lord's day. They declare "that the opening of the 
exhibition on the Lord's day would be a falsification 
of our national history, a misrepresentation of our 
national morality, an injustice to the multitude of 
Christian exhibitors and employees, a wrong to the 
most solemn conviction of the great body of our 
American Christian people, and would go far to 
neutralize the Christian teaching of the country 
respecting the value, use and sacredness of the Lord's 
day." 

In their letter to the association, the Norristown 
church refer with affection and sympathy to the death 
of their former pastor, Rev. Hardin Wheat, and ask 
the prayers of the association for his deeply afflicted 
family. 

Several efforts were made, at this time, to liquidate 
the church debt, but without entire success. The 
panic of 1876-7 was keenly felt by many of the 
members, and the church had difficulty in meeting 
its current expenses. 

The year 1878 was not a very prosperous one, 
although the congregations continued large. In 
January, the pastor and deacons made a gloomy report 
on the spiritual condition, and deprecated the evils 
of lax discipline. In February, I. N. Harrar was 



FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH. 1 69 

elected deacon. Mr. Harrar had been prominent in 
committee work before this time. He also served as 
trustee for a number of years, and later he was made 
treasurer of the church. He has always been faithful 
in his attendance upon the appointed meetings of the 
church, thus setting a good example in this important, 
but often neglected duty of church members and 
officials. 

The church manual was again revised, and five 
hundred copies purchased for distribution. There 
were many exclusions and erasures, and only two 
baptisms during the year. 

In February, 1879, delegates were appointed to sit 
in council with the brethren at Royersford to consider 
the propriety of recognizing them as an independent 
Baptist church. In the beginning of this year, a 
rather discouraging report was made by the trustees 
of the financial condition of the church, in which they 
say that a long list of members do not contribute 
anything to the support of the Gospel. In spite of 
the depressed financial conditions, however, there was 
considerable interest on the spiritual side. Very 
profitable meetings were held under the auspices of 
the Young Peoples' Association, presided over by Mr. 
C. H. Grigg. There was a number of conversions, 
and during the year thirty-two were baptized, the 
largest number any year of Mr. Siegfried's ministry 
here. 

The church was now about to meet its sorest trial 
and experience its deepest affliction. The pastor 
started in October to attend the state anniversaries. 
He had taken a heavy cold and suffered with a severe 



70 HISTORY OF THE 



chill, immediately on arriving at the convention. He 
returned home at once. A failure of railroad connec- 
tions made the journey tedious and disastrous. He 
reached his home October sixteenth, and immediately 
summoned his physician, Dr. J. K. Weaver, who 
found him already beyond the help of medicine. The 
cold had developed into acute pneumonia. He died 
on the twentieth of October, 1879, after an illness of 
only four days. His sudden death produced a 
profound impression on the entire community. The 
funeral services were held in the church, and were 
attended by a great concourse of people. Addresses 
were delivered by several pastors from Philadelphia. 
Thousands of persons took a last look at the lamented 
dead, and all that was mortal of the beloved pastor was 
conveyed to Newark, New Jersey, for burial. He 
died in the full and blessed hope he had preached to 
others, with his eye upon the fadeless wreath, "the 
prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus." 

Rev. Simeon Siegfried, Jr., was born at West 
Chester, Pennsylvania, on the twenty -first of Feb- 
ruary, 1828. He was one of a race of Baptist 
ministers. His grandfather, Blder George Siegfried, 
was one of the early pioneer preachers, who did 
valuable service in the state of Ohio. His father, 
Simeon Siegfried, Sr. , was at one time a fellow pupil 
with Samuel Aaron, and won honorable distinction as 
preacher and editor in Pennsylvania and Ohio. He 
continued in active labor for more than fifty years. 

Simeon Siegfried, Jr., was converted at the age of 
twelve years, and from that time to the day of his 



FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH. 171 



death he ''adorned the doctrines of God his Saviour." 
He learned the trade of a printer, and much of the 
time which would otherwise have been spent in school 
was spent in the printing office. This, with a full 
course of instruction in the Mount Pleasant Academy, 
constituted the educational facilities enjoyed by him. 

In 1857, he was ordained to the work of the Gospel 
ministry, in Ohio. He was pastor, successively, at 
Adamsville and Alexandria, Ohio, at Newark and 
Trenton, N. J. , and Norristown, Pa. He was in love 
with his work, and hence was successful. He was a 
Christian whose love for his Divine Master found its 
most happy expression in earnest, self-denying service. 
He was a patriot and loved his country well, and his 
voice and sword were lifted up in defence of his 
country's honor. He was a man among men, whose 
warmth of heart won friends and gave him influence 
and power over his fellows. Busy and cheerful, earn- 
est and hopeful, his presence was always a blessing 
and an inspiration. 

November 9, 1879, the church adopted the follow- 
ing resolutions: "Whereas, God, in his providence, 
has seen fit to remove from us by death our beloved 
pastor, Rev. S. Seigfried, Jr. : Therefore, Resolved, 
That we have lost an earnest, efficient and faithful 
minister of the Gospel, a champion of every needed 
reform, a defender of the public morals, a genial 
companion, a warm-hearted and sympathizing friend. 
Resolved, That we cherish his memory as a true 
Christian minister ; that we remember and heed his 
wise counsels, and that we imitate his many virtues." 




N. B. RANDALL 
Pastor from February, 1880, to September, 1887. 



CHAPTER XVI. 



Pastorate of Rev. N. B. Randall to^that of Rev. C. A. Fulton- 
February, 1880, to April, 1888. 



After the death of Mr. Siegfried, the church soon 
took steps looking to the settlement of another pastor. 
On the eighteenth of January, 1880, Rev. N. B. 
Randall was called, and entered upon his work the 
fifteenth of the next month. The church now sus- 
tained a severe loss by the death of Deacon David 
Allabough, in the eighty-sixth year of his age. He 
was a man highly esteemed, a valuable officer, and of 
irreproachable character. Among other valuable 
members, who died during the year, were Mrs. Thos. 
D. Abraham, John Tustin and Henry Still. A deep 
spiritual interest prevailed during the year, and about 
forty persons were added to the church by baptism. 

In 1881, the church made another heroic effort to 
cancel the church debt of about five thousand dollars. 
This amount was divided into shares of ten dollars 
each, the entire amount was soon subscribed and 
subsequently paid. 

During this year the church lost another deacon 
by death in the person of Thomas Scattergood. He 
was a faithful servant of the Lord, and, like Deacon 
Allabough, died at the good old age of eighty-six. 



176 HISTORY OF THE 



His devout Christian life continues to bear fruit to the 
praise and the glory of his name. There were now 
two vacancies in the board of deacons, and Joseph E. 
Rapp and Walter Iy. Butz were chosen to fill the 
places. 

Mr. Rapp was a good man and much devoted to 
his church, being active both in the spiritual and 
temporal affairs, he was well suited to the high office. 
He afterwards became the superintendent of the West 
Side Mission Sunday School, and, when that interest 
developed into the Second Baptist Church, Mr. Rapp 
became an important officer and pillar there. 

Mr. Butz, although a young man, had manifested 
much interest and devotion to the church and had 
been a useful member. He subsequently united with 
the Second Church of Norristown, also. 

Thirty-five were added this year by baptism. 

On the twenty-fifth of April, 1882, C. H. Detwiler 
died suddenly at his home. Mr. Detwiler was a very 
useful man in the church. Hardly any one could 
have been missed more at this time. He was deacon, 
church clerk and Sunday school superintendent, and 
had served faithfully and efficiently in all these offices, 
as well as on many important committees. The large 
attendance at his funeral, which, was held in the 
church, was an evidence of the high esteem in which 
he had been held. 

On the fourteenth of May, 1882, J. K. Weaver, 
M. D., was elected superintendent of the school. 
This was an excellent choice. Dr. Weaver proved a 
wise and efficient leader. His management of the 



FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH. 1 77 

school was ever in accordance with the most approved 
methods. He exercised great care in the selection of 
teachers. As a rule, only those who were students of 
the Word and "apt to teach" were assigned to this 
important work. The men and women whom he 
gathered about him were among the most reliable and 
earnest workers in the church. 

Among the many noble men who have served this 
church, Dr. Weaver will be remembered as one of the 
most capable, progressive and broad-minded leaders, 
who gave himself with disinterested fidelity to its 
highest interest. Although well known throughout 
the state, through his connection with various educa- 
tional and missionary boards of the denomination, of 
which he has been a valued member, his deepest 
interest has always centered in the Bible school work 
of his own church. Greatly interested in mission 
schools, he took the initiative step in the establishing 
of the mission on the West Side, out of which has 
grown the Second Baptist Church, and, in 1890, he 
recommended the organization of the school in the 
Bast Bnd. Ever loyal to his pastors, Dr. Weaver 
has been held in high esteem by them, as a wise and 
trusted counselor, a genial and generous hearted 
companion. 

A series of resolutions was adopted at this time, 
on the death of Deacon Detwiler, in which they 
speak of his inestimable services to the church and 
Sunday school, and in which they deplore his death, 
while in the prime of his manhood. 



170 HISTORY OF THE 



R. N. Wood, who was about to remove to England, 
resigned as church collector, and R. K. Fulmer was 
elected to fill the place. 

At the June meeting, Theo. Knabb was elected 
church clerk. Mr. Knabb became a prompt, careful 
and competent official, being well adapted to the duties 
of this important position. 

December 12, 1882, being the fiftieth anniversary 
of the organization of the church, the event was 
appropriately celebrated by a series of services. 
Among those who participated in these semi-centennal 
exercises, were Hiram Hutchins, D. D. , of Brooklyn, 
pastor of the church from 1847 to J ^5° '■> Geo. Frear, 
D. D., pastor from 1872 to 1875; Rev. W. B. Corn- 
well and Rev. T. J. Siegfried, sons of ex-pastors. 
Letters were also read from other former pastors. 

This was a fruitful year, spiritually; fifty- two were 
added by baptism. 

The year 1883 was uneventful, but one of quiet 
work, and twelve were baptized. Thirteen were 
received by letter. 

February 4, 1884, M. H. McVaugh was elected 
deacon to fill the vacancy caused by the death of 
C. H. Detwiler. Mr. McVaugh was fifty-seven years 
of age, when he was chosen deacon, and had been for 
years a faithful and devout man of God. Assuredly, 
in this choice, the church observed the Scriptural 
injunction, " and let these also first be proved." 

This was not a year of fruitage in soul winning, 
only four persons being received by baptism, but ten 
were added by letter, 



FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH. 1 79 

This church has all along its history taken a deep 
interest in the important work of establishing and 
maintaining mission Sabbath schools. At this time, 
Dr. Weaver, the superintendent of the main school, 
urged the opening of a mission in West Norristown ; 
accordingly, at the January business meeting, in 1885, 
the first decisive steps were taken in this direction. 
The following resolutions were adopted : "That we 
make an effort to establish a mission Sunday school in 
West Norristown, and that a committee be appointed 
for that purpose. ' ' Jos. E. Rapp, Jas. A. Hurst, Harry 
Cassel, Augustus Hart, Dr. J. K. Weaver and T. C. 
Davis were appointed that committee. At the March 
meeting, this committee reported that a site for the 
building of a chapel could be secured on George 
Street, between Marshall and Airy, for one thousand 
and six hundred dollars, and it was agreed to make 
the purchase. At a special meeting, held on the 
eighteenth of March, it was decided to abandon the 
effort to purchase lots on George Street, as lots could 
be secured at the north west corner of Marshall 
Street and Haws Avenue, better adapted to the purpose. 
The committee was then instructed to purchase these 
lots, on which there was a building suitable for 
mission purposes, at a cost of three thousand and two 
hundred dollars. It was fortunate indeed that this 
change of purpose was made, as the property on Haws 
Avenue is one of the most beautiful and centrally 
located sites for a church in that vicinity. 

January 1, 1885, the church selected the following 
persons as officers and teachers for the proposed 
mission school : Superintendent and treasurer, Jos. 



l8o HISTORY OF THE 



E. Rapp ; assistant superintendent, Jas. A. Hurst ; 
chorister, Harry Cassel ; organist, Miss Walker ; 
secretary, James Harley ; librarians, Edward Kellar, 
H. F. Reifsnyder and Wm. Burton ; teachers, T. C. 
Davis, Jas. A. Hurst, Mrs. Hurst, Harry Cassel, Mrs. 
Reed, Mrs. Jos. Kohl, Mrs. Phillips, Miss Hannah 
Rapp and Miss Aunie McVaugh. The school was 
opened June 21, 1885, with sixty-six scholars. In the 
home school, at this time, there were fifty-one officers 
and teachers, and five hundred and thirty scholars. 

The Central Union Association held its fifty-third 
anniversary with the Norristown Church, this year. 
One hundred and forty delegates were present. Am ong 
the important measures adopted was a vigorous resolu- 
tion on the prohibition of the liquor traffic. There 
were one hundred baptisms reported, and twenty-three 
thousand eight hundred and seventy-eight dollars, 
the total contributions. 

In September, Dr. J. K. Weaver, on behalf of the 
Social Union, offered the following resolution, which 
was adopted : ' ' That the church approve of the efforts 
of the Social Union to secure sufficient money to 
purchase a pipe organ for the main audience room." 
The Social Union made another progressive move in 
organizing a singing class among the young people, 
in order to awaken an interest in music. At this same 
time a committee, consisting of Thos. Sames, Harry 
Cassel, P. Y. Bisenberg and Jos. Roberts, recom- 
mended the adoption of the Baptist Hymnal. The 
recommendation was heartily approved, and this most 
excellent selection was adopted as the hymn book of 
the church. 



FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH. l8l 

On the fifteenth of October, the building which 
had been fitted up for the mission school on Haws 
Avenue was dedicated with appropriate exercises. 

During the spring of 1886, Pastor Randall was 
assisted in special service by Rev. Chas. H. Thomas 
and Wayland Hoyt, D. D. The afternoon Bible 
meetings of Dr. Hoyt were very instructive and 
inspiring, and were largely attended. 

During the spring of 1887, the church united with 
other churches of the town in a series of union meet- 
ings, conducted by Evangelist Geo. C. Needham. 
These meetings were well attended and great good 
was done, although they did not prove particularly 
productive in immediate conversions. 

On the fourth of April, Dr. P. Y. Eisenberg 
tendered his resignation as chorister. It was accepted, 
and the following commendatory resolution was 
adopted : u That Dr. P. Y. Eisenberg, who has acted 
in the capacity of chorister for the last fifteen years, 
having resigned his position, the church hereby 
express their confidence in his ability as a leader, and 
their appreciation of the patience and fidelity with 
which he has discharged his duty." A committee on 
chorister was appointed, and soon after reported 
Lafayette Ross as willing to take the position tempo- 
rarily, and he was accordingly engaged. 

At this time Deacon Rapp, on behalf of the 
workers at the mission in the West End, asked the 
advice of the church in regard to the organization of 
an independent church. A committee, consisting of 
Thos. Sames, Jos. E. Rapp, Jas. A. Hurst, M. H. 



1 82 HISTORY OF THE 



McVaugh and Dr. J. K. Weaver, was appointed to 
consider the request, report the number likely to join 
the new church and the advisability of the matter, and 
a plan for its accomplishment, in case it is approved 
by the church. On the second of May, 1887, a 
majority of the committee reported in favor of the 
project. This report was accepted, and the trustees 
were instructed to deed to the new church the mission 
property, with its encumbrances, as soon as the orga- 
nization could be effected. 

On the twelfth day of May, letters were granted 
to forty-five members to form an independent Baptist 
church. June second, a meeting was held at the 
mission, and an organization effected, under the name 
of the Second Baptist Church of Norristown. The 
usual articles of faith were adopted, and seven trustees 
and five deacons were elected. A council of Baptist 
churches was called to meet on the sixteenth of June, 
1887, and, after considering the usual documents and 
evidences, voted unanimously to recognize the new 
organization as a regular Baptist church. The new 
enterprise was launched auspiciously, and rapidly 
grew into a vigorous church. Being situated in a 
residential and rapidly growing section of the town, 
the Sunday school and the church both grew apace. 
In September, 1887, they called as their first pastor, 
Rev. W. B. Staub. During his ministry a new stone 
chapel was built, at a cost of six thousand dollars. 
Mr. Staub was succeeded by Rev. J. G. Dyer. He 
resigned in 1892, when Rev. J. H. Haslam became 
pastor. During each of these pastorates the Second 



FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH. 1 83 

Baptist Church has made strong and substantial 
progress. 

At this time several efforts were made to have the 
deacons elected for a term of years, instead of for 
life. As there were some vacancies in the board, 
elections were held for the purpose of filling them, 
and in July, R. N. Wood was chosen. Mr. Wood was 
constant in his church attendance and prompt in the 
discharge of his official duties, while Mrs. Wood was 
well qualified for the exacting duties of a deacon's 
wife. In visiting the sick and ministering to the needy 
her services were much appreciated. 

On the first of August, 1887, Pastor Randall, in 
accordance with his announcement in May, tendered 
his resignation, to take effect the first of September. 
The resignation was accepted, and the following 
resolutions adopted : u That the thanks of the church 
are due Rev. N. B. Randall for the work he did while 
pastor, in assisting materially in cancelling the debt ; 
in his untiring devotion to the Master ; in his visits 
to the sick ; in his efforts to promote the various 
reforms of the day; but above all, in his clear exposi- 
tions of the Scriptures." 

Mr. Randall was a strong preacher and a faithful 
pastor ; a suggestive and inspiring teacher. Of indus- 
trious habits, his mind was ever employed in planning 
for the advancement of the church. During his 
pastorate he edited, for a few years, a small paper, 
entitled "The Norristown Baptist," afterwards "The 
Central Union Baptist." In this he published an 
historical sketch of the Norristown Church. This 



1 84 HISTORY OF THE 



must have cost him much labor, and was in some 
respects an invaluable work, particularly in the gath- 
ering and collating of interesting incidents and 
important data. 

Mr. Randall was with the church seven years and 
six months, making the longest pastorate in its history. 
During this time he baptized one hundred and ninety- 
two converts. Many of these soon became very strong 
and prominent Christians, taking an active part in 
every good work. The membership at the close of 
this pastorate, after dismissing fifty-one to form the 
Second Baptist Church, was five hundred and forty- 
three. 

Mr. Randall was blessed with a faithful and con- 
secrated wife, whom God richly endowed with many 
rare gifts, and who was, therefore, fully competent 
and ever ready to second all his toils. 

The interval between the pastorate of Mr. Randall 
and that of his successor was marked by frequent 
business meetings, which were not always characterized 
by that degree of harmony and humility of spirit 
which should prevail among God's people. Yet at no 
time was there any serious difficulty, or any wrong 
that might not have been amicably righted by the 
exercise of good judgment and mutual forbearance, 
and an earnest appeal to the Good Shepherd to guide 
his own sheep into the right way, and to preserve the 
fold in peace. 




Charles a. Fulton 

Pastor from April, 1888, to February, 1891. 



CHAPTER XVII. 



Pastorate of Rev. C. A. Fulton to that of Rev. W. C. 
Richmond — April, 1888, to November, 1891. 



March 19, 1888, Rev. C. A. Fulton, of Camden, 
S. C, was chosen pastor by a large and nearly 
unanimous vote. He came on the field at once, and 
began his labors on the first of April, the installation 
services being held on the twenty-fourth. On this 
occasion, Dr. J. B. Gough Pidge preached the sermon, 
and Rev. J. L,. Ivitch, pastor of the Central Presby- 
terian Church, delivered the address of welcome. 
Rev. William E. Staub, J. G. Walker, D.D., and 
David Spencer, D.D. , were also present and partici- 
pated in the services. 

On the twenty-seventh of May, delegates were 
chosen to sit in council with the Lower Providence 
Church, for the ordination of Deacon S. O. Perry to 
the work of the Gospel ministry. 

During the year 1888, the Social Union completed 
the work, on which they had been engaged for several 
years, of purchasing a pipe organ for the auditorium. 
The organ was placed in the church in March, 1889, 
and the grand opening was held on the ninth of that 
month. The house was filled with an appreciative 
audience, and the keys of the grand organ were tested 
by a number of distinguished performers, among 



HISTORY OF THE 



them Prof. David D. Wood, Mr. Blwood Beaver, Mrs. 
K. B. Jacoby and Miss Annie L,. Cressman. This 
magnificent instrument was purchased of William 
King & Sons, Elmira, New York, at a cost of $3000. 
It has one thousand three hundred and ten pipes, 
sixty-one notes on manual and thirty notes on pedal. 
It has ten stops in great manual, nine stops in swell 
manual and eleven mechanical stops, and is propelled 
by a patent water-motor. At the same time the 
church building was renovated at a cost of two 
thousand, four hundred dollars. 

In their Associational letter, the church reported 
improved spiritual interests, and an addition by 
baptism of thirty-two. This was the largest number 
of baptisms in a year since 1882. 

In April, Henry F. Scatchard was chosen deacon. 
Mr. Scatchard, together with his wife and daughter, 
had been received by letter from the Second Church, 
Germantown, a short time before, where they had 
been useful and highly esteemed members. There 
Mr. Scatchard had been deacon and trustee. His 
coming into the Norristown Church and his election 
to the office of deacon, just at this time, were 
exceedingly fortunate. Being an experienced busi- 
ness man, of excellent practical judgment, a devout 
and consecrated Christian and a liberal giver, Mr. 
Scatchard became at once a most valuable and 
influential member. Gifted in prayer and testimony, 
and possessing a sweet Christian spirit, few men have 
rounded out more fully the New Testament require- 
ment for the office of deacon, to be "full of wisdom 



FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH. 1 89 

and the Holy Ghost." He was greatly esteemed by 
his pastors as a kind, wise and agreeable fellow 
worker. 

In May, L,afayette Ross tendered his resignation 
as leader of the choir, and the next month S. H. 
Wright was elected to the position. 

During this year the young people of the church, 
led by Pastor Fulton, took an advance step in the 
organization of a Christian Endeavor Society, in 
accordance with the plans as promulgated by Francis 
K. Clark, D. D. This society was a much needed 
auxiliary to the church. Their regular prayer meet- 
ings on Wednesday evenings were well attended, and 
stimulated general activity on the part of the young 
members of the church in many good works. 

On the seventeenth of June, 1889, J. K. Weaver, 
M. D., was elected deacon of the church. Dr. Weaver 
had been superintendent of the Sunday school for 
seven years, and a member of the board of trustees 
for a number of terms. In these offices and on many 
important committees, he had evinced a marked 
faithfulness and efficiency as a leader. His practical 
knowledge of progressive methods of church work 
and the deep spirituality of his life made him well 
qualified for the high office of deacon. 

September second, the church voted to grant a 
license to preach to T. C. Davis. This same month 
it was decided to unite with the other congregations 
of the town in a series of meetings, to continue four 
weeks, conducted by Evangelist W. Iy. Munhall. 
These meetings were very largely attended, and 



I90 HISTORY OF THE 



resulted in a large number of conversions. A good 
proportion of these united with the Baptist church. 

During this year, Deacon George Wright requested 
the church to relieve him from the office of deacon, 
which he had held so long. He was thereupon 
appointed deacon emeritus. Mr. Wright had been 
a prominent member and an active worker in the 
church for many years. He was a great admirer of 
Rev. Samuel Aaron, and during the days of slavery 
was known as one of Mr. Aaron's most trusted 
lieutenants in the transportation of slaves to Canada. 

In the spring of 1890, Dr. J. K. Weaver suggested 
the importance of establishing another mission school, 
this time in East Norristown, and in February, Dr. 
Weaver, Deacon Scatchard and Deacon Harrar were 
appointed a committee, to consider the matter and 
report to the church. In March, they recommended 
the opening of a school in the Sandy Street school 
building, permission having been granted by the 
school board; that Deacon Scatchard be appointed 
as superintendent, and that the church appropriate 
twenty-five dollars for literature. The school was 
accordingly opened in March, 1890, with fifty-eight 
scholars; H. F. Scatchard, superintendent. 

A great improvement was now made in the lecture 
room of the church by replacing the pews with chairs, 
and otherwise remodeling it and the infant and 
intermediate class-rooms. 

In their associational letter, this year, the church 
gives a most flattering account of their work. Sixty- 
seven had been baptized. The membership was now 



FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH. 191 

six hundred and two, and there had been a substantial 
increase in their benevolent contributions. This last 
was secured by adopting a system whereby an offering 
was solicited from every member. 

In September, S. H. Wright resigned the position 
of chorister, and the same month Wilmer M. Bean 
was appointed to succeed him. In October, the state 
anniversaries were held with the church. There was 
a large attendance, and two hundred and eighty-four 
delegates were entertained. 

In February, Pastor Fulton resigned the pastoral 
office to accept a call to Baltimore. Mr. Fulton was 
pastor two years and ten months. During this time, 
one hundred were added to the church by baptism, 
and many important improvements effected. He was 
a pleasing and attractive speaker, a cordial friend and 
a genial companion. During much of his time here 
he was burdened with deep sorrow for the loss by 
death of loved ones, and thus, providentially, unfitted 
often for pastoral duties, yet, in the midst of his 
afflictions and bereavements, he was of a cheerful 
spirit, and bore all with marked Christian fortitude. 

Mr. Fulton took his collegiate and theological 
course at Madison (Colgate) University. His first 
church was at Camden, S. C, whence he came to 
Norristown, which was his second pastorate. Fitting 
resolutions were adopted by the church, in which they 
state "that we deeply regret the severance of the 
pastoral relation and the removal from our midst of 
so able, earnest and devoted an under-shepherd; 
one who has developed the spiritual strength of the 



I92 HISTORY OF THE 



young; always been valiant in defense of the truth; 
clear and concise in expounding the Scriptures, and 
in declaring the whole counsel of God." 

Mr. Fulton preached his last sermon on the eighth 
of February, 1891, to one of the largest audiences 
which had ever assembled in the church. 




W. C. Richmond 

Pastor from November, 1891, to June, 1893. 



CHAPTER XVIII. 



Pastorate of Rev. W. C. Richmond to that of Rev. Alonzo 
A. DeLarme — November, 1891, to November, 1893. 



It is an evidence of the united and harmonious 
condition of the church, upon the departure of the 
Rev. Mr. Fulton, that two months after, the church, 
by an almost unanimous vote, extended an invitation 
to Rev. J. H. Parshley, of Philadelphia,, to become 
their pastor. This call was not accepted, and on the 
ninth of November, 1891, the pulpit committee 
recommended Rev. W. C. Richmond, of Massachusetts. 
He was accordingly called, and entered upon the field 
at once. The public installation was held on the 
twenty-first of December. W. T. Chase, D. D., 
preached the sermon, and Rev. F. S. Dobbins, T. R. 
Beeber, D. D., Rev. C. A. Soars and Rev. J. G. 
Dyer also participated in the services. 

Mr. Richmond was educated at Oberlin College 
and Rochester Theological Seminary, and had been 
pastor of several churches in New England. He was 
an earnest man and endeavored to accomplish a good 
work, but his pastorate here was not altogether satis- 
tory, either to himself or to the church. He labored 
under many disadvantages and trying circumstances, 
which greatly hindered the progress and prosperity of 



I96 HISTORY OF THE 



the cause he desired to enhance. He continued his 
labors, however, until the first of June, 1892. During 
his ministry of one year and six months, thirty-six 
persons were added to the church by baptism, and 
fifteen by letter. 

On the fourteenth of June, the church sent dele- 
gates to the Second Baptist Church of Norristown 
for the ordination of Rev. J. H. Haslam, who had 
been called as their pastor. 

During the interim of pastors the pulpit was filled 
as usual by supplies. 

At this time several attempts were made to fill two 
vacancies on the Board of Deacons, and finally Dr. 
Horace Still was chosen as one. Dr. Still had served 
acceptably, for a number of terms, on the Board of 
Trustees, but was best known as the church's compe- 
tent and popular organist. 




A. A. DELARME 
Present Pastor 



CHAPTER XIX. 



Pastorate of Rev. Alonzo A. DeLarme. 



September 3, 1893, Rev. Alonzo A. Delyarme, of 
New Haven, Connecticut, was called to the pastorate, 
and entered upon his duties Sunday, November twelfth. 
The installation services were held the following 
Thursday. The sermon, on this occasion, was preached 
by B. H. Johnson, D. D., of Crozer Seminary. Mr. 
DeLarme, a native of Pennsylvania, taught school 
for a few years in Clearfield County. He prepared 
for college at Mt. Pleasant Institute, and graduated 
from the State University of Indiana in 1887, an ^ 
from the Crozer Theological Seminary in 1890. He 
became pastor of Hope Church, New Haven, Conn., 
immediately after graduation 'from Crozer, and was 
ordained in that city July 17, 1890. He remained 
pastor there until he resigned to accept the call to the 
First Baptist Church of Norristown. The church 
numbered five hundred and sixty-four members, but 
was not thoroughly organized, and there was consider- 
able discord and dissension in various parts of the 
congregation. But the new pastor believed he had 
been divinely summoned to this field and determined, 
in the strength of Him who had called him, to labor 



200 HISTORY OF THE 



faithfully and persistently for the glory of God and 
the salvation of souls. He had the hearty co-operation 
of many at the beginning, and very soon of the whole 
body. By a systematic and diligent house to house 
visitation, harmony and good will were soon restored 
and made strong factors in the upbuilding of the 
whole church. Existing auxiliary organizations were 
revived and new ones formed. The week of prayer 
was followed by meetings every evening for several 
weeks, which resulted in many conversions, with 
baptisms every Sunday for nearly three months. 

On the fifth of March, 1894, Thomas Sames was 
elected deacon. He was one of the youngest elected 
to that office, but was well qualified by faithful service 
and spiritual fervor for the performance of its duties. 
Active in the prayer meeting and all devotional ser- 
vices, and blessed with a wife zealous and capable as 
a leader in Christian work, Mr. Sames became a most 
useful and valuable official. 

Early in 1895, the pastor called a joint meeting of 
the deacons and trustees to consider the advisability 
of erecting a chapel for the use of the Mission, in the 
east end of the town. On the sixth of May a 
recommendation was made to the church, advising 
the erection of the chapel. A plan of the proposed 
building accompanied the recommendation. After 
considerable discussion, the measure was unanimously 
adopted. A building committee was then appointed, 
consisting of Deacon H. F. Scatchard, Dr. J. K. 
Weaver, Charles Pennypacker, Thomas Sames and 
Edwin W. Severing. A large subscription committee 



FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH. 



was also appointed. This committee worked zealously, 
and soon succeeded in securing a subscription nearly 
sufficient to meet the expenses of the building. 

This much needed chapel was made a possibility, 
at this time, by the noble generosity of Mrs. Ellen 
M. White, who contributed one thousand eight 
hundred dollars for the purchase of desirable lots, 
beautifully situated at the southeast corner of Marshall 
and Violet Streets. Edwin F. Bertolett, a competent 
and successful architect, and fortunately a member of 
the church, furnished, without cost to the congrega- 
tion, the designs and specifications of the new building, 
and, during the course of its structure, gave much 
valuable advice. Work was commenced at once, and 
the corner stone was laid September seventh, at 
which time addresses were made by Elder William 
McDermott, of the Presbyterian church, Rev. J. H. 
Haslam, of the Second Baptist, and Rev. A. T 
Steward, of the Bridgeport Baptist, and the pastor. 

The building committee now pushed the work 
along as rapidly as could be done, through the winter, 
and by spring the pretty chapel was ready for 
occupancy. The dedication occurred on Thursday, 
the twenty-sixth of March. Interesting services 
were held in the afternoon and evening, presided 
over by Pastor DeL,arme. Rev. John L,ove preached 
the sermon, and there were addresses by Deacon 
H. F. Scatchard and the pastors of the local churches. 
Special music for the occasion was furnished by the 
choir of the First Church. 




Mission Chapel 



FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH. 205 

The entire cost of the chapel, including ground, 
was ten thousand dollars. The structure is built of 
rough blue stone. It is U T" shaped, and is seventy 
feet on Violet Street and fifty feet on Marshall Street. 
The auditorium is fifty feet square, contains a large 
gallery and will seat three hundred and fifty persons. 
The basement is designed for the infant and interme- 
diate departments of the Sunday school. The whole 
building is well adapted to Sunday school purposes, 
and is one of the prettiest and neatest church edifices 
in the town. It is a credit to the denomination, and 
marks another progressive step in the history of the 
First Baptist Church. The congregation, generally, 
responded liberally to the appeal made for this enter- 
prise. The trustees in office, at this time, were Thomas 
Sames, Benjamin F. Woodland, Chas. Pennypacker, 
Dr. Horace Still, R. N. Wood, Theo. Knabb and 
Horace H. Johnson. 

The Bible School, the prayer meetings, the Mite 
Society and other organizations of the Mission hold 
their regular services here. There has been preaching 
every Sunday evening. W. C. Myers, secretary of the 
local Y. M. C. A., and a licentiate of the First Church, 
preached acceptably for the first year. The pastor 
also preached at stated times on week-day evenings. 

With these better and increased facilities the 
mission grew rapidly in numbers, until over two 
hundred scholars and teachers were enrolled. Under 
the leadership of an earnest superintendent, sur- 
rounded by a loyal band of workers, this mission 
became one of the vigorous branches of the church, 



206 HISTORY OF THE 



instrumental in the salvation of not a few precious 
souls for the Master. 

The year 1896 was marked by another advance 
step, in the way of lighting the church by electricity. 
The Social Union placed an electrical chandelier in 
the auditorium, at a cost of three hundred and thirty 
dollars. 

In May, the Central Union Association held its 
sixty-fourth anniversary in Norristown. More than 
two hundred and fifty delegates were entertained, and 
all the sessions were largely and enthusiastically 
attended. 

In June, 1896, Pastor DeLarme was granted a 
vacation of two months for a visit to Europe. He 
sailed on July first and returned September twelfth, 
having been away ten Sundays. 

Preceding and during the week of prayer, a 
gracious revival began, both in the church and at the 
mission, resulting in a good number of conversions 
at both places. Evangelist G. R. Cairns was then 
invited to assist the pastor. He remained two weeks. 
The church worked heartily and prayerfully with him, 
and the Lord blessed their united labors in a large 
ingathering of souls. 

In April, a council was called to consider the pro- 
priety of ordaining J. R. Wood to the work of the 
Gospel ministry. The council met June 10, 1897, and, 
after a thorough examination, voted unanimously and 
heartily for his ordination. The ordination sermon 
was preached by Henry G. Weston, D. D. , president 
of Crozer Seminary, and the ordaining prayer was 



FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH. 207 

offered by Pastor DeLarme. N. B. Randall, D. D., 
and Geo. W. Folwell, D. D. , also participated in the 
services. 

The next week the church sent delegates to meet 
with the Lower Providence Church, on June sixteenth, 
for the ordination of Theodore Heysham. 

Early in the year 1897, Mr. DeL,arme began the 
preparation of this history. Carried on in connection 
with the exacting duties of the pastoral office, and in 
the midst of many interruptions, it proved an onerous 
and difficult task. The work was given to the pub- 
lisher in July. 

During this pastorate of nearly four years to date, 
one hundred and seventy-six persons have been bap- 
tized. Many of these have proved valiant and helpful 
laborers in the vineyard of the Lord. 

Among the valuable members received by letter 
were Miss M. A. Heydrick, a consecrated Christian 
and liberal giver; W. C. Myers, who rendered excel- 
lent service at the Bast End Mission ; and Rev. and 
Mrs. C. F. Williams, whose presence was always a 
cheering inspiration; and others equally useful. 

The membership of six hundred and eighty, the 
largest in the history of the church, includes many 
very earnest and efficient Christian workers, loyal to 
their pastor, faithful and devoted to the highest 
interests of the church. To these is due very largely 
the success and prosperity of this period, marked by 
the uniformly large congregations at the Sunday and 
mid-week services, the continued high spiritual con- 
dition of the church, with conversions almost every 



208 HISTORY OF THE 



month, and baptisms every week for a portion of each 
year ; enlarged contributions to the benevolent objects 
of the denomination ; increased sociability among the 
members ; the attachment to the church of a large 
body of young people ; and the aggressive work of 
the Bible School, Ladies' ' Missionary Society and 
other auxiliary departments. 

The new organizations formed during this pasto- 
rate were the " Young Men's League ;" the "What- 
soever" and "Jewel Seekers" circles of King's 
Daughters, and the Junior Endeavor Society, each of 
which has done good work in its own particular line. 
Mention must also be made of the efficiency, at this 
time, of the large and well trained volunteer choir, 
and the corps of tactful ushers. 



The history of our Church has thus been traced 
from its beginning to the present time (1897), a period 
of sixty-five years. During these years, thirteen 
hundred and sixty-five have been baptized into the 
fellowship of the church, and six hundred and fifty- 
six have been received by letter, and many more here 
found Christ as a personal Saviour. To many, this 
place has been the very gate of Heaven. How many 
have left heavy burdens and many found inspiration 
for the trials of life. Tender memories, both of the 
living and the dead, gather about this dear old home. 
It has been, for nearly three quarters of a century, a 
potent factor in the propagation of Christianity in the 
community, and a conspicuous example of the power 



FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH. 209 

of a church, indwelt by the Holy Spirit, to elevate 
men and redeem society. True, mistakes have been 
made, and the mind of the Divine Master has not 
always been exemplified, nor the Spirit's leading 
always followed. Yet mistakes have not been made 
willfully. The heart of the Church has been right 
and its purpose true and steadfast. The influence 
for good has been widely extended and it has left its 
blessings upon unnumbered souls. From the pulpit 
of this Church the full Gospel of Christ's salvation has 
been preached in demonstration of the Spirit and 
power, and the lofty principles of national virtue have 
been proclaimed with no uncertain sound. Here some 
of the noblest men and women who ever labored in 
the Church militant have toiled and prayed and min- 
gled in earnest worship. Who can tell how many this 
church of ours will find, among the blessed, to honor 
and cherish her forever, when this life is over and the 
Church militant has become the church triumphant ? 
The past has taught its lesson ; the present has its 
duty ; and the future its hope. 



APPENDIX. 



The outline sketches of the auxiliary organizations, 
which are here appended, have been furnished mainly 
by the following persons: Miss Mary J. Perry, Miss 
Mary K. CaufFman, Mrs. R. F. Hoffecker, Mrs. 
Ambrose Dettre and Miss Arvilla Hart. 



THE BIBLE SCHOOL. 



The Bible School of the First Baptist Church was organ- 
ized a few months prior to the constitution of the church, in 
1832. Phinehas Phillips, Samuel D. Phillips, Geo. Eve and 
B. F. Hancock, Esq., were chiefly instrumental in its organi- 
zation. The school held its sessions, at first, in the house of 
Mrs. Grosscup, corner of Main and Green Streets, and later 
in the school building, Cherry and Airy Streets. The first 
superintendent was B. F. Hancock, Esq., and the teachers 
were George Eve, Mrs. Hancock, the Misses Grosscup and 
Miss Mary Bolton. Each scholar who could read was expected 
to commit to memory, each week, a portion of God's Word 
and recite it to the teacher. Blue tickets with a verse of 
Scripture were given to the scholars, according to the number 
of verses committed, and six blue tickets were exchanged for 
a red one. It is said that some of the scholars in that little 
school sometimes committed a whole chapter in a week, and 
also a hymn from their hymn book. A printed certificate 
was given by the superintendent to each scholar who had 
complied with the rules and attended the school for one year. 
A form of certificate used was as follows: "John Anderson, 
having complied with the rules of admission to the Sunday 
School attached to the Baptist Church of Norristown, is this 
day enrolled as a member thereof, and is henceforth entitled 
to all its privileges. May God guide and keep him, and bless 
the instruction he may receive to the everlasting good of his 
soul. (Signed) B. F. Hancock, Supt." 



214 HISTORY OF THE 



At a business meeting of the church, in 1837, it was 
resolved that the church take the Sunday school under its 
supervision. The average attendance of the school, at this 
time, was about seventy-five or eighty. In 1849, seventeen 
years after the school was organized, the number of scholars 
was two hundred and sixty-two, and the number of officers 
and teachers twenty-six, The expense of the school for the 
year was forty-four dollars. Mr. Hancock remained superin- 
tendent for twenty years, when he withdrew from the church, 
and subsequently became superintendent of the Bridgeport 
School. He was succeeded by George Wright, who served in 
this capacity for eight years. 

From i860 to 1862, the office of the superintendent was 
held by three different perscns, D. R. McDermond, John 
Rees and Rev. Alfred Pinney. After this, D. J. McVaugh 
was chosen superintendent and filled the office until failing 
health compelled him to resign, in 1869. 

A musical instrument was placed in the school at this time. 
During this year, Deacon N. B. Johnson was elected superin- 
tendent and served until 1874. It was during Mr. Johnson's 
superintendency that the International Lessons were adopted. 
The intermediate department was formed in 1878. Miss 
Lizzie Clark was its first superintendent, and upon her resigna- 
tion Miss Linnie Mills, now Mrs. Thomas Sames, was chosen. 

Deacon Christian H. Detwiler became superintendent in 
1874 and served until his death in 1882. He was succeeded 
by J. K. Weaver, M. D. Dr. Weaver proved a most efficient 
leader; prompt and constant in his attendance, he inspired 
like virtues in the teachers and scholars. A diligent student 
of the Bible himself, he was ever careful to select teachers who 
were students of the Word. The teaching, therefore, has 
been eminently practical and efficient. 



FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH. 2I5 

The first superintendent of the infant department was 
Mrs. B. F. Hancock. Other teachers have been Deacon C. 
H. Detwiler, Mrs. R. F. Hoffecker, Miss Sarah E. Fry, Miss 
Irene Clark and Mrs. Lafayette Ross. Deacon Detwiler had 
charge of the infant department about eight years, or until 
1874, when he was elected superintendent of the main school. 

In 1885, the mission school in West Norristown was 
organized, out of which has grown the Second Baptist Church. 
In 1890, another mission was started in East Norristown, with 
Deacon Henry F. Scatchard as superintendent. This school 
held its sessions for six years in the Sandy Street Public 
School building. Then the church built a beautiful and 
commodious chapel for its mission, at Marshall and Violet 
Streets. With the improved facilities, which this chapel 
afforded, the school has greatly increased in numbers and 
influence. 

The singing of the school has long been a very attractive 
feature. Lafayette Ross, the musical director, has manifested 
much patience and skill in his untiring efforts to make this 
important part of the work effective. Miss Jennie Roberts 
has been faithful as pianist, a position for which she is well 
qualified. 

In the spring of 1897, a new department was formed, 
called the Junior Department, under the superintendency of 
Miss Irene Clark. 

The aim, kept steadily in view, has been the conversion 
of the scholars, consequently a good number of converts from 
the school is reported each year. 

The present officers of the school are Dr. J. K. Weaver, 
superintendent; I. N. Harrar, assistant superintendent, R. N. 
Wood, Horatio Seltzer and C. Augustus Evans, librarians; 
Lewis A. Irons, George McGlathery and E. N. Harrar, 
secretaries. 



2l6 HISTORY OF THE 



The following are the present teachers : Miss Mary A. 
Rees, Mrs. R. N. Wood, Miss Mary J. Perry, Mr. Thomas 
Sames, Mr. Lafayette Ross, Mr. Charles Anselm, Miss Mary 
CaufTman, Miss Laura Cauffman, Mrs. John Kennedy, Miss 
Arvilla Hart, Mrs. Ambrose Dettre, Miss Mary A. McVaugh, 
Miss Jennie Jarrett, Mrs. Mary Bean, Miss Josephine Tyson, 
Miss Ida M. Davis, Miss Katharine Detwiler, Miss Bessie 
Ward, Miss Sue Doan, Miss Emma Edwards, Miss Florence 
Harrar, Miss Jennie Roberts. 

Junior department : Miss Irene Clark, superintendent ; 
Miss Edna Schrack, assistant. 

Intermediate department: Mrs. Thomas Sames, superin- 
tendent ; Miss Laura McVaugh, Miss Mary Hallman and 
Miss Eva Wagner, assistants. 

Infant department : Mrs. Lafayette Ross, superintendent ; 
Miss Adele Glenn, Mrs. Elroy Williams, Miss Esther Thomas, 
assistants. 

Mission schools have been maintained, at different times, 
in outlying districts, by members of the church. Henry 
Still, for a number of years, conducted such a school at Penn 
Square. Thomas D. Abraham has been the faithful superin- 
tendent of a school at Upper Merion, and William E. Phillips 
of that at King-of-Prussia. 



THE SOCIAL UNION. 



This organization had its origin in a concentrated effort 
to raise means for the furnishing of the new church edifice, 
built in 1873. The honor of first suggesting a Mite Society, 
afterwards called the Social Union, belongs to Mr. John E. 
Overholtzer and Miss Mary Spang. 

A meeting was held at the house of Mr. Sam'l Overholtzer, 
November 26, 1872, when the society was organized. A 
committee, consisting of John Overholtzer, R. G. Sheppard 
and Miss Lizzie Clark, was appointed to draft a constitution 
and by-laws for the future government of the society. The 
preamble is as follows : "We, the undersigned, having in view 
the furnishing of the new church, as well as the cultivation of 
sociability among ourselves, do organize and associate for the 
furtherance of the above objects." 

On December 3, 1872, a permanent organization was 
effected, with Miss M. Hallowell, (Mrs. Hurst,) as president; 
Miss Lizzie Clarke, (Mrs. Chas. James,) as secretary, and 
Mrs. R. G. Sheppard, treasurer. The monthly dues were 
fixed at ten cents per member, and a box for voluntary offer- 
ings was decided upon. The amount collected was three 
dollars and ten cents. A committee was appointed to canvass 
the church for new members, and at each meeting additions 
were reported. Everyone seemed determined to make the 
society a success. All went to work vigorously, and at the 
fourth meeting it was decided to give an entertainment in the 
old church, just before demolishing it, in the form of a reunion 
and supper of the entire membership and friends. This 



2l8 HISTORY OF THE 



reunion was given on March 27, 1873. I* was a grand success 
and realized four hundred and forty-seven dollars and twenty 
cents. 

At the April meeting, it was decided the society should 
elect one trustee to take charge of and invest the money 
belonging to them, which now amounted to five hundred and 
fifty-eight dollars and sixteen cents. Deacon Detwiler was 
elected. At the end of the first year, the handsome sum of 
one thousand and nine dollars and seventy-seven cents had 
been raised by hard work. 

On August 4, 1874, a church-furnishing committee was 
appointed, one-half to be named by the church and one-half 
by the society. The entire committee worked earnestly, 
and by November had the entire church furnished. Before 
the dedication of the new church, which occured on Novem- 
ber 15, 1874, the society had paid one thousand nine hundred 
and fourteen dollars and ninety-four cents for all furniture, and 
held a special meeting, November 10, 1874, at. which it was 
decided to obligate itself for one thousand dollars in liquidat- 
ing the church debt. All labored cheerfully for this new 
object. 

For the year 1875, the treasurer reported money raised, 
eight hundred and ninety-two dollars and fifty-seven cents. 
By June, 1876, the one thousand dollars was paid, and a new 
obligation assumed, namely, to pay four hundred dollars of 
the eight hundred dollars borrowed from the cemetery fund 
by the church. 

At the June meeting, 1877, the committee in charge 
reported the cancelling of this obligation, and now the society, 
after much deliberation, agreed to raise one thousand dollars 
on a mortgage against the church. 

By January, 1880, the society had again m the treasury, 
five hundred and seventy-nine dollars and fifty-seven cents. 



FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH. 219 

On May 4, 1880, it was decided, at a regular meeting, 
that the Mite Society raise five hundred dollars towards the 
payment of the three thousand dollars mortgage held against 
the church, to be paid one year from date. Also a new carpet 
for parlor, purchased at a cost of sixty-seven dollars and ninety 
cents. A receipt was received for the five hundred dollars by 
February, 1882, and one hundred dollars additional promised. 

In September, 1882, Dr. Weaver, from the committee on 
objects of work, proposed two, church repairs and a pipe 
organ. At the November meeting, it was decided to work 
for a pipe organ. 

On December 9, 1884, the Mite Society's name was 
changed to the Social Union. Work went bravely on, and 
festivals, excursions and concerts were given to swell receipts, 
until December 2, 1886, when a committee, consisting of Mr. 
Ross, Drs. Still and Weaver, was appointed to purchase the 
new organ, and June 4, 1891, in the presence of a large audi- 
ence assembled in the auditorium of the church, the president, 
Mr. Ross, presented the beautiful organ to the church. It 
cost three thousand dollars, and was paid in full by the society. 
Dr. Weaver, president of the board of trustees, accepted the 
gift on behalf of the church. 

September 30, 1892, a special meeting of the Social Union 
was held, at which it was decided to buy a piano, at a cost of 
two hundred and thirteen dollars. There being no special 
object for which to work, the society accomplished nothing 
for about a year, when a meeting was held, at which it was 
decided to remit all back dues of members ; also, to reduce 
monthly dues to five cents. All former members were urged 
again to interest themselves and to secure new members. 

In June, 1894, the society granted an order for six dollars 
and ninety-six cents, as half payment for china-closet for 
dishes of missionary circle. 



HISTORY OF THE 



The last work done to date, by this society, was putting 
up an electric chandelier and other lights in the church, at a 
cost of three hundred and thirty dollars. 
Summary of money raised : 

$1914.94 . . . Church furnishing. 

. At dedication on debt. 

. On cemetery loan. 

. On church mortgage. 

. On $3500 church mortgage. 

. On church parlor carpet. 

. Pipe organ. 

. Piano. 

. To missionary society. 

. For lumber. 

. For electric chandelier, etc. 

$9157.80 
The other object for which the society was formed, to 
promote sociability, was not neglected while the members 
worked to help the church financially. For years the meetings 
were held at the homes of members, at all of which literary 
programs were rendered and sociability cultivated. All the 
pastors, Dr. Frear, Mr. Siegfried, Mr. Randall, Mr. Fulton, 
Mr. Richmond and the present pastor, Mr. DeLarme, have 
taken an active part and manifested a lively interest. A 
society that has worked so faithfully and well, for almost 
twenty-five years, should be encouraged and supported. 



IOOO 


00 


IOOO 


00 


IOOO 


00 


600 


00 


67 


90 


3000 


00 


213 


00 


25 


00 


6 


96 


33° 


00 



THE WOMAN'S MISSIONARY CIRCLE. 



" Gods tabernacle 
Shall fail of finish, though in order laid. 
Unless ye women lift your hands to aid." 



On April 4, 1875, Mrs. Rose Adams Bailey, a returned 
missionary, attended the forty-third anniversary of the Sunday 
school of the Baptist Church of Norristown, and after giving 
an enthusiastic address on the subject of missions, she invited 
the women to the evening prayer meeting for the purpose of 
forming a woman's missionary society. In accordance with 
Mrs. Bailey's request, thirty-three met her, and each pledged 
to give two cents a week to the support of the gospel in foreign 
lands. The pastor's wife, Mrs. George Frear, was chosen 
president, Miss Lizzie Clarke, secretary, and Miss Lemon tine 
L. Stewart, treasurer. Miss Isabella Allabough, Miss Cath- 
arine Major and Mrs. Samuel Overholtzer were chosen solicitors. 
A meeting was held in the parsonage, on April 19, 1875, wnen 
the following constitution was adopted. 

I. This association shall be called the Woman's Missionary 
Circle of the Norristown Baptist Church. 

II. Its object shall be to aid the Woman's Baptist Foreign 
Missionary Society in the work prescribed by the constitution 
of that society. 

III. Any person may become a member of the circle by 
contributing one dollar a year. 

IV. Its officers shall be a president, secretary, treasurer 
and solicitors, performing the duties usually assigned to such 
officers. 



HISTORY OF THE 



V. All moneys raised by this circle shall be paid over by 
the treasurer to the general society named in the second 
article. 

Within three months, the circle met with a great loss in 
the resignation of its efficient president, Mrs. George Frear, 
a woman of marked ability. Miss Mary A. Rees filled the 
chair, until the election of Mrs. Simeon Siegfried, September 
20, 1875, wno ne ld the position until June 17, 1878. At the 
next annual meeting, Miss Rees was chosen president, and 
continued in office until March 15, 1880, when Mrs. N. B. 
Randall was elected president, and Miss' Rees, vice-president. 

Through the earnest efforts of Mrs. Randall, it was 
decided, on September 21, 1880, to unite the foreign and 
home interest. It was unanimously agreed : 

I. That each member should have the privilege to decide 
whether her annual contribution should go to the foreign or 
home work. 

II. All moneys raised by the circle for foreign missions 
should be paid into the Woman's Baptist Missionary Society, 
and all moneys raised for home missions should be paid into 
the Woman's Baptist Home Mission Union of Philadelphia. 

In November, 1881, the first decided effort to raise money, 
aside from annual dues, was made. A circular letter, asking 
for contribution to missions, was sent to each sister in the 
church, and also an invitation to attend a praise meeting to be 
held December 12, 1881. The encouragement received from 
the pastor, the interest manifested by a large audience and a 
liberal donation from the people, led to other special endeavors, 
and thirty public meetings have been held, nearly all of which 
were addressed by eminent speakers, twenty of whom were 
laborers from mission fields. 

Through these meetings and other earnest efforts, blessed 
by God, the circle has given to foreign missions one thousand 



FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH. 223 

four hundred and sixty-one dollars and sixty-three cents, and 
to home missions, six hundred and two dollars, and to miscel- 
laneous objects, two hundred and twenty-four dollars and 
fifty-one cents. With a single exception, (a gift to Philadel- 
phia Training School,) the whole amount was raised by the 
Scriptural plan of voluntary offerings. 

Mrs. Lizzie James, nee Clarke, resigned November 2, 1882, 
on account of her removal to Allentown. By this, the circle 
lost not only a good officer, but one who was ever ready to 
speak, work and give for the cause she loved. She fully 
illustrated that, 

" The Gospel of a life like hers 
Is more than books or scrolls." 

The president appointed Miss Jennie Roberts secretary 
for the remainder of the year, and at the following annual 
meeting, Miss Ida M. Davis was chosen secretary, and served 
until December 14, 1891, when Miss E. Irene Clark was 
elected. 

The meetings of the circle, for fourteen years, have been 
held monthly. For a short period the time was given to 
preparation of work for the Freedmen in the South, but with 
this exception, the sessions have been entirely devoted to the 
acquisition of missionary knowledge. 

A mission band of twenty-five members was formed on 
November 10, 1886, and did efficient work for several years, 
under the direction of two members of the circle. 

Mrs. N. B. Randall sent her resignation to the circle 
September 12, 1887. This was the cause of universal regret, 
for she was deeply interested in this department of Christian 
work, and her sound judgment, cultured mind and conse- 
crated heart eminently fitted her for a leader. 

Mrs. Charles A. Fulton was elected president, May 14, 
1888, and served until November 8, 1888, when she entered 



224 HISTORY OF THE 



into eternal rest. Mrs. Fulton's labors in the circle were of 
short duration, but a glimpse was caught of her earnest life, 
her high attainments, her great simplicity, and the ineffable 
sweetness of character that Jesus gives to His beloved. Miss 
Mary A. Rees was elected president and Miss Mary J. Perry, 
vice-president, December 17, 1888. 

Death and removals have made many changes, and only 
nine of the constituent members remain in the circle, which 
now numbers sixty-four. Miss Catharine Major has been a 
solicitor and Mrs. R. F. Hoffecker, nee Stewart, has been 
treasurer since its organization. 

The last three years have been especially marked by a 
deep interest and increased liberality in giving. The adop- 
tion of the apportionment plan by the Woman's Baptist 
Foreign Missionary Society of the Central Union Association 
has led the circle to realize more fully that the gold and silver 
of earth belong to the Lord. And now, before any extra 
effort is made to solicit money to carry the news of salvation 
through Christ to a perishing world, a time is appointed for 
prayer. The humble petitions have been signally blessed by 
Him who said, "Go ye into all the world and preach the 
Gospel to every creature." 



THE DORCAS SOCIETY. 



The Dorcas Society, which at this writing is one of the 
several valuable adjuncts to the work of the First Baptist 
Church, is the outgrowth of a movement instituted a number 
of years ago, and known as the missionary work of the Sunday 
School Association. While from year to year much was done 
by the few interested, it was thought that, if a society were 
regularly organized, with a name, its work would be better 
understood and systematized, the need of such a society for 
such work would be more fully realized and more and better 
work accomplished. Accordingly, in response to a call from 
the pastor, Rev. Charles A. Fulton, a number of ladies met 
in the church parlor, on the afternoon of May 14, 1889. 
After a backward glance over the work done and a careful 
statement of the present need, Mr. Fulton made a stirring 
appeal to the ladies, which resulted in their very enthusiastic- 
ally effecting an organization, to be known as the Dorcas 
Society of the First Baptist Church of Norristown, Pa. A 
committee, consisting of Mrs. R. F. Hoffecker, Mrs. Emma 
Reed and Mrs. R. N. Wood, were appointed to draft a con- 
stitution and by-laws. These were adopted at the next meeting, 
held one month later, when Mrs. H. F. Scatchard was chosen 
president, and Mrs. Win. M. Clift, Mrs. R. F. Hoffecker 
and Miss Annie McVaugh, respectively, vice-president, treas- 
urer and secretary. For different causes, several who have 
served the society faithfully as its officers have resigned. 
The present incumbents are : president, Miss Mary J. Perry ; 
vice-president, Mrs. R. N. Wood; treasurer, Miss I. M. Smith; 
and secretary, Miss Annie McVaugh. 



226 HISTORY OF THE 



The work of the society is, and always has been, that of 
looking after and supplying as nearly as practicable, the needs 
of the poor and unfortunate, not always of the congregation, 
but often those who have no special claim on the church and 
Sunday school, save their duty to all men, and of clothing 
some little ones in the orphanage, at Angora, Philadelphia. 
The society, in connection with other denominations, has 
assisted in supporting children placed in other homes in the 
same city. It has responded to appeals for help from sufferers 
from blight and drought in the far West, by sending clothing 
and other necessities, not forgetting the "word spoken in due 
season." 

The receipts of the society, which have never been large, 
are obtained by the collection of monthly dues. They have 
been augmented, however, from time to time, as occasion 
demanded, by holding bread and cake sales, which have been 
generously patronized by the people of the church and those 
interested in the work. Valuable contributions of new and 
partly worn material have been made into comfortable and 
tasteful garments for the poor. So that cash receipts do not 
fully represent the money value of work done. 

The society has never attempted great things. It has often 
been disappointed in those to whom it has extended its helping 
hand, while many, less promising, have been retained as 
beneficiaries and are doing well. And so the work goes 
quietly on, " Not knowing which shall prosper, this or that, 
or whether both alike shall be good ; ' ' but realizing, more and 
more, that, "Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the 
least of these, ye have done it unto Me." 



THE YOUNG PEOPLE'S SOCIETY 
OF CHRISTIAN ENDEAVOR. 



The First Baptist Young People's Society of Christian 
Endeavor was organized, June 19, 1889, during the pastorate 
of Rev. Charles A. Fulton, who was the first president. As 
the work of Christian Endeavor Societies is done through 
committees, at the first business meeting committees were 
named and assigned their several functions. Believing that 
"in union is strength," application was made for admission 
in the Schuylkill Valley Union of Christian Endeavor. The 
International Christian Endeavor Convention was held in 
Philadelphia, on July ninth, tenth and eleventh of that year, 
and delegates were appointed to attend it. 

In September, 1889, there were sixty members. This 
steadily increased until May, 1890, when there were ninety- 
five. Good meetings were held, but few being absent. But, 
like other organizations, there are times when it is at ebb tide, 
and so it was with this society. Many did not keep the pledge, 
but others have been faithful from the beginning, and by their 
faithfulness have tided the society over discouraging times. 

The model constitution of the united society was adopted. 
The meetings were to be held every Wednesday evening, 
which was done, except a short time during the summer of 1892, 
when they were held on Sunday evening, one hour before the 
regular service. The last meeting night of every month was 
to be a consecration meeting. The business meeting was to 
be held the first Wednesday evening of every month, after 
prayer meeting. Collections are taken at every meeting. 



2 28 HISTORY OF THE 



It has been the aim of the society to work as near to the 
plan laid out as possible. Some excellent prayer meetings 
have been held. Some have taken the lead tremblingly, but 
have been rewarded by a growth and strength only obtained 
by doing the Lord's will. It has been a school for prayer 
and a more accurate knowledge of the Bible. 

The Religious Literature Committee have distributed such 
papers as the National Baptist, Youth's Temperance Banner, 
Golden Rule, (the paper of the society,) Sunday School 
Times, King's Messengers, Ram's Horn, The Commonwealth, 
and other good literature that tended to uplift. These papers 
were sent to the State Hospital, Charity Hospital, the Alms- 
house, the Jail, barber shops and other places where they might 
be appreciated, or do good. 

By means of occasional sociables, such as lawn parties, 
literary and musical entertainments, Christian sociability has 
been greatly enhanced. 

The "White Ribboners " have also had a share of the 
work of the society. Recitations, lectures, music, and the 
experience of some in the line of temperance work, have 
been brought before the society from time to time. 

In the spring of 1890, some of the members canvassed 
the east part of the town, and obtained promises of seventy- 
five members for the mission Sunday school, about to be 
started in that locality. 

Another nice service rendered has been the decorating of 
the pulpit, every Sunday in the year, with plants and cut 
flowers. At the close of the services these are generally sent 
to the sick of the congregation. 

The society has in many ways been a useful adjunct of the 
church. Its chief work, of course, has been the cultivation 
of the various Christian graces among young Christians. 
Through this agency, many young Christians have cultivated 
the important gifts of prayer and testimony in public meetings. 



FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH. 229 

In the fall of 1896, a Junior Christian Endeavor was 
organized, with Miss Ida M. Davis as superintendent. This 
latest organization was a much needed branch. A large 
number of children met Saturday afternoons and were instructed 
by efficient leaders in the way of salvation, singing, temperance 
and missions. A Scripture lesson, illustrating some topic of 
Christian conduct, was taught at each meeting. 



Pastors of the First Baptist Church, 

FROM 1833 TO 1897. 



Rev. W. H. Jordan — September, 1833, to April, 1834. 

Rev. H. O. Wyer— July, 1834, to October, 1834. 

Rev. Charles E. Wilson — January, 1835, to April, 1838. 

Rev. David Bernard — June, 1838, to April, 1841. 

Rev. Samuel Aaron— April, 1841, to June 1844. 

Rev. I. N. Hobart — June, 1844, to July, 1846. 

Rev. Hiram Hutchins — March, 1847, to January, 1850. 

Rev. W. E. Cornwell — November, 1850, to June, 1852. 

Rev. Roswell Cheney — July, 1854, to March, 1859. 

Rev. Alfred Pinney — June, i860, to November, 1862. 

Rev. Hardin Wheat — July, 1863, to October, 1870. 

Rev. George Frear — February, 1872, to June, 1875. 

Rev. Simeon Siegfried — September, 1875, to October, 1879. 

Rev. N. B. Randall — February, 1880, to September, 1887. 

Rev C. A. Fulton — April, 1888, to February, T891. 

Rev. W. C. Richmond — November, 1891, to June, 1893. 

Rev. Alonzo A. DeLarme — November, 1893. 



RECORD. 



Year 


RECE 

o by 

Baptism 


IVED 
by 
Letter 


Total 
Member- 
ship 


Year 


RECI 

D by - 
Baptism 


-IIVED 
by 
Letter 


Total 
Member- 
ship 


33 


50. 


10 


87 


66 


19 


27 . 


303 


34 


55 


5 


' 145 


67 


9 


14 


317 


35 


38 


6 


178 


68 


39 


16 


358 


36 


5 


7 


175' 


69 


6 


15 


368 


37 


4 


15 


176 


70 


102 


3 


486 


38 


24 


8 


194 


.71 


2 


3 


457 


39 


•32 


15 


230 ' 


72 


12 


10 


444 


40 


39 


• 10 


263 


73 


4. 


8 


437 " 


41 


33 


13 


291 


74 


12 


11 


443 


42 


8 


18 


305 


75 


'17 


22 


458 


43 


46 


12 


339 


76 


24 


8 


470 


44 





5 


323 


77 


24 • 


10 


475 


45 





11 


264 


78 


2 


4 


459' 


46 


2 


12 


254 


79 


32 


13 


489 


47 





10 


238 


80 


44 


19 


510 


* 48 


18 


' 10 


249 


.•81 


35 


5 


533 


.49 


28 


7 


266 


' 82 


52 


1 


576 


50 


31 


7 


284 


83 


12 


13 


574 


51 


13 


11 


292 


84 


4 


10 


567 


52 


8 


9 


286 


85 


20 


19 


590 


53 


5 


3 


258 


86 


14 


12 


602 


54 


1 


6 


254 


87 


15 


20 


619 


55 


25 


20 


280 


88 


2 


'. 2 


543 


56 


1 


.7 


274 


89 


32 


13 


540 


57 


8 


15 


278 


90 


67 


10 


602 


58 


4 


4 


274 


91 


7 


3 


571 


59 


10 


6 


272 


92 


'23 


12 


587 


60 


13 


8 


265 


93 


13 


3 


564 


61 


3 


4 


256 


94 


51 


10 


608 


62 


3 


7 


244 


95 


38 


8 


619 


63 


2 


9 


227 


96 


22 


8 


633 


64 


25 


15 


.247 


97 


66 


4 


680 


65 


11 


17 


'267 











